Uttarakhand land consolidation policy 2026 to link 275 hill villages across 11 districts

Uttarakhand has approved the Voluntary/Partial Land Consolidation Incentive Policy, 2026 to integrate fragmented landholdings through chakbandi in 275 villages across 11 hill districts over five years. Only dispute-free villages will be chosen, with eligibility based on minimum area or landholder consent. Farmers will receive incentives after completion, overseen by state and district committees.

The Uttarakhand cabinet cleared the Voluntary/Partial Land Consolidation Incentive Policy, 2026, on Wednesday. The move seeks to merge scattered land plots in hill areas. Officials said it should support farming and reduce migration from villages. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami led the cabinet meeting where the decision was approved.

Officials said the policy targets 275 villages in 11 hill districts. The government plans to connect these villages through chakbandi work. The rollout is set for five years. Each district will take up consolidation in five villages every year, as per the plan shared by officials.

Uttarakhand land consolidation policy: Eligibility and village selection

Only villages without land disputes will be chosen for consolidation, officials said. A village must have at least 10 hectares in total area to qualify. Another route is written consent from at least 25 landholders. These conditions are meant to keep the process smooth and reduce later objections.

Landowners will decide the plot layout by mutual agreement. Landowners will also draft a consolidation plan. That plan will then be submitted to officials for approval. The policy is voluntary, and it depends on local consent for key steps in the process.

Uttarakhand land consolidation policy: Incentives and oversight

The government will offer special incentives and benefits to farmers after voluntary consolidation is completed. Officials said monitoring will be done by a high-level state committee. District-level implementation committees will also track progress. These bodies will review the work and help address issues during execution.

The cabinet also set a review point for the policy. Officials said amendments and improvements will be considered three years after implementation begins. The government expects better results for agriculture and horticulture. Officials noted hills and wildlife diversity limit available land in many areas.

Uttarakhand land consolidation policy: Farming impact and migration aims

Officials said fragmented holdings often make farming less viable in hill districts. Consolidation is expected to improve access and planning for cultivation. The government believes this can improve local earning capacity. Officials linked this to efforts to curb migration from hill villages by supporting livelihoods.

Uttarakhand land consolidation policy: Cabinet clears homestay manual

In a separate decision, the cabinet approved a single manual for homestays and Bread and Breakfast units. The allowed rooms under the homestay category rose from five to eight. Officials said renewal will become easier. Automatic renewal will be possible after online fee payment.

Officials said the land policy will proceed in phases across 11 hill districts. The focus will stay on dispute-free villages that meet consent or area norms. Committees will monitor delivery and conduct periodic reviews. Alongside this, the cabinet’s homestay changes set clearer rules and simpler renewals.

With inputs from PTI