Kumari Selja Questions Transparency in Uttarakhand Land Allocations, Seeks Probe into Heritage Properties

CHANDIGARH | PEN OF DEMOCRACY NEWS DESK

Sirsa MP, former Union Cabinet Minister, All India Congress Committee general secretary, Congress Working Committee member and Uttarakhand Congress in-charge Kumari Selja has raised serious questions over the process of transferring valuable government land and historical heritage buildings in Uttarakhand to private institutions.

In a statement issued in New Delhi, Selja alleged that under the leadership of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, important government properties in the state were being allocated without adequate transparency and in disregard of prescribed rules.

Nearly 40 Properties Cited

She claimed that a process had been initiated to transfer nearly 40 government properties and historical buildings located across 12 of Uttarakhand’s 13 districts to the private sector. The properties mentioned in her statement include 633 acres of land belonging to IDPL in Rishikesh, approximately 190 acres in Dakpathar, HMT land in Ranibagh, and important properties in Nainital, Dhanaulti and Tehri.

The Congress leader said the scale and nature of the proposed transfers raised questions about the government’s approach towards public assets and the safeguards being followed in the allocation process.

Questions Over Government Approvals

Referring to government records, Selja claimed that various land allocation proposals received approval at the Chief Minister’s level in January and November 2025. She alleged that decisions involving approximately 1,080 acres of government land had been taken without giving adequate importance to the role of the concerned departments and ministers.

According to her, government property belongs to the people and its transfer or allocation must be supported by a transparent process and publicly accessible information. She questioned whether the relevant procedures, departmental consultations and prescribed safeguards had been adequately followed.

Heritage Buildings Under Scrutiny

Selja specifically sought an impartial investigation into the process concerning the George Everest Estate in Mussoorie and historical buildings in Haridwar and Rishikesh. She said the state’s valuable land and heritage structures should be protected and used in a manner that prioritises public interest.

According to Selja, government properties have the potential to support education, healthcare and long-term development. Their future use, she said, should be assessed in the context of broader public needs. She demanded that the government explain the rationale behind the decisions and make details of evaluation and approval available.

Congress Launches ‘Bhoomi Bachao-Dhami Hatao’ Campaign

Selja said the Congress had launched the ‘Bhoomi Bachao-Dhami Hatao Abhiyan’ across Uttarakhand to protest against the alleged transfer of government land and heritage properties. The party plans demonstrations at various locations and will meet the Governor to seek a review and cancellation of the disputed decisions.

She said the campaign would highlight concerns relating to government land, historical heritage and resources that, according to the Congress, should be safeguarded for public benefit. The party, she added, would pursue the matter through democratic and constitutional means.

Congress May Approach Court

Selja said the Congress would consider approaching the courts if required. She asserted that the party would continue its efforts through democratic and constitutional channels to protect Uttarakhand’s land, historical heritage and resources connected with public interest.

The Congress leader demanded that the state government make public the complete details of allocation procedures, property evaluations and approvals. She said disclosure would help clarify the circumstances surrounding the decisions and enable the public to understand how the properties were being allocated.