Nazool Land: Origin, Governance, and Uses

Context: 

Recently, violence erupted in the city of Haldwani in Uttarakhand’s Nainital district after the administration conducted a demolition drive at the site allegedly on Nazool land.

About Nazool Land

• Nazool land is owned by the government but most often not directly administered as state property. 
• On Lease: The state generally allots such land to any entity on lease for a fixed period, generally between 15 and 99 years. 
  • Option of renewal is also available.

Emergence of Nazool Land

• Origin: During British rule, kings and kingdoms which opposed and revolted against the British, the British would often take their land away from them after defeating them in battle.
• Post-Independence: The British vacated these lands and to be owned by the respective state governments.

Governance of Nazool Land

• For Adjudication: While several states have brought in government orders for the purpose of framing rules for Nazool land, The Nazool Lands (Transfer) Rules, 1956 is the law mostly used for Nazool land adjudication.
• Lease Renewal: By submitting a written application to the Revenue Department of the local development authority. The government is free to either renew the lease or cancel it — taking back Nazool land.

Uses of Nazool Land

• For Public Welfare: The government generally uses Nazool land for public purposes like building schools, hospitals, Gram Panchayat buildings, etc. Several cities in India have also seen large tracts of land denoted as Nazool land used for housing societies, generally on lease.
• Various Purpose: In almost all major cities of India, Nazool land has been allotted to different entities for a variety of different purposes.

News Source: The Indian Express

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