​On 19 February 2025, which state's cabinet approved the Bhoo Kanoon (Land Law Amendment Bill) to regulate the purchase and sale of agricultural, horticultural and residential land by non-residents?​

Correct option is D

Answer: (D) Uttarakhand

Explanation:

• On 19 February 2025, the Uttarakhand Cabinet approved the “Bhoo Kanoon” Land Law Amendment Bill to introduce stricter regulations on non-residents buying agricultural, horticultural, and residential land.
• The law bans purchase of agricultural and horticultural land by people from outside the state in 11 districts (with some exceptions).
• It also centralises approval via a government portal, removes district magistrates’ powers to approve such transactions, and revokes provisions from the 2018 amendments. I

Information Booster:

• The stricter land law aims to protect Uttarakhand’s cultural identity, natural resources, and local citizens’ rights against encroachment by outsiders.
• Exceptions are provided in Haridwar and Udham Singh Nagar districts, where non-residents may acquire land under permitted conditions.
• The amendment repeals the 2018 relaxations that allowed easier land purchases by non-residents.

Additional Knowledge:

• Land laws similar in spirit exist in states such as Himachal Pradesh, where non-residents are restricted from purchasing agricultural land under the Tenancy & Land Reforms Act.
• In Uttarakhand, land issues have been sensitive due to the state’s hilly terrain, ecological fragility, and concerns over demographic changes from external land acquisition.
• The “Bhoo Kanoon” reforms reflect a growing trend of states tightening land purchase rules to safeguard local interests and environment