Context
∙ Violence has erupted in Uttarakhand’s Haldwani district at the site of a mosque and madrasa, allegedly on Nazool land.
What is Nazool land?
∙ Nazool land is owned by the government but most often not directly administered as state property.
∙ The state generally allots such land to any entity on lease for a fixed period, generally between 15 and 99 years.
∙ In case the lease term is expiring, one can approach the authority to renew the lease 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.
How did Nazool land emerge?
∙ During British rule, lands of several kings and kingdoms were taken, who lost in battles with britishers.
∙ After India got Independence, the British vacated these lands. But with kings and royals often lacking proper documentation to prove prior ownership, these lands were marked as Nazool land — to be owned by the respective state governments.
How does the government use Nazool land?
∙ 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.
∙ It is governed by The Nazool Lands (Transfer) Rules, 1956.
