Congress accuses Uttarakhand CM of handing over government lands and heritage to private parties

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami. Photo credit:

The Congress on Wednesday (Nov 4, 2026) accused Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami of handing over government land and British-era properties to private parties at throwaway prices, alleging that Mr Dhami had centralized decision-making powers to facilitate the transfers.

The opposition party demanded Mr. Dhami’s removal and said that if no action was taken, it would approach the governor and move the court.

At the center of the nationwide agitation on Wednesday was the proposed transfer of George Everest Estate in Mussoorie, named after Sir George Everest, India’s first Surveyor General, to private entities.

The estate was part of Uttarakhand’s historical and natural heritage, the Congress said, questioning the Uttarakhand government’s decision to transfer such an important public asset to private players.

Congress general secretary in charge of Uttarakhand, Kumari Selja, alleged that land and properties at nearly 40 places across the state have been transferred to private entities, jeopardizing public property and interests of local people.

At a press conference at the party headquarters here, Ms. Selja alleged that Mr. Dhami had taken away the government’s final authority over land transfers and was personally approving major transactions while chairing the Uttarakhand Infrastructure Development and Investment Board.

Ms. Selja said 1,080 acres belonging to various government departments were transferred to the board through two decisions signed by the chief minister. These included 633 acres of the former Indian Drugs and Pharmaceuticals Limited facility in Rishikesh, 142 acres in Mussoorie, 25 British-era inspection bungalows and 190 acres in Dakpathar in Vikasnagar. Tenders have been floated for 14 acres in Patwa Dangar and Alaknanda Hotel, the Congress leader said, claiming that the Patwa Dangar land was being offered at ₹ 5 per square meter per annum. It also flagged the proposed transfer of forest land in Ramgarh.

The allegations came amid protests organized by the Congress across Uttarakhand as part of the “Bhumi Bachao, Dhami Hatao” (save the country, remove Dhami) campaign. State Congress president Ganesh Godiyal led a demonstration against the transfer of the George Everest estate, alleging that the government had compromised the state’s interests by handing over natural resources and public assets to private players.

The protest in Haridwar was led by former Chief Minister Harish Rawat, who alleged that the government was handing over heritage assets, including the Alaknanda Hotel, to favored industrialists and landed interests outside the state. In Vikasnagar, Chakrata MLA Pritam Singh led a rally against the proposed transfer of around 180 acres in Dakpathar, linked to the Yamuna hydroelectric project, to private companies through the Uttarakhand Infrastructure and Investment Development Board. He warned of continued agitation in the streets and in the assembly.

A memorandum will be submitted to the Governor and judicial intervention will be sought if necessary, the Congress said. Citing Section 28 of the Uttarakhand State Investment and Infrastructure Development Board Act, Ms. Selja argued that monetization of public assets requires the approval of relevant ministries and the state government.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) spokesperson Manveer Singh Chauhan dismissed the allegations and said the ownership of the land transferred to the Uttarakhand Investment and Infrastructure Development Board would remain intact. The aim, he said, was to attract investment, create jobs and promote sustainable tourism, with the government retaining regulatory control and the right to acquire the assets after a set period.

(With inputs from PTI in Dehradun)

Published – 04 Nov 2026 22:10 IST