Nazool Land

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Context

• Violence erupted in Uttarakhand’s Haldwani district following a demolition drive conducted by the administration at the site of a mosque and madrasa.
• The incident resulted in five fatalities and numerous injuries.

What is Nazool Land?

• Nazool land is government-owned property, often allotted to entities on lease for a fixed period, typically between 15 and 99 years.
• It emerged during British rule when lands confiscated from opposing kings were marked as Nazool land after India gained independence.

Usage of Nazool Land:

• Governments utilize Nazool land for public purposes such as constructing schools, hospitals, and Gram Panchayat buildings.
• In urban areas, Nazool land is also used for housing societies, generally on lease.

Governance of Nazool Land:

• The Nazool Lands (Transfer) Rules, 1956 primarily govern the adjudication of Nazool land.

Status of Land in Haldwani:

• According to the Haldwani district administration, the land where the demolition occurred is registered as the Nagar Nigam’s Nazool land.
• A demolition drive had been ongoing for the past 15-20 days to clear encroachments and alleviate traffic congestion.
• The administration claims the demolition was carried out with the court's approval, following a notice issued on January 30.