Dehradun, Uttarakhand – Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has lauded the recent anti-encroachment drives in the state, particularly emphasizing the use of "bulldozer action" against what he terms "land jihad." These actions have sparked considerable discussion and debate, raising questions about legality, due process, and potential targeting of specific communities.
The term "land jihad," frequently used by right-wing groups in India, refers to a conspiracy theory alleging a deliberate attempt by Muslims to encroach on and alter the demographics of non-Muslim majority areas through land acquisition.
CM Dhami has been a vocal supporter of the anti-encroachment drive, asserting that his government is committed to reclaiming illegally occupied land and maintaining the state's "dev bhoomi" (land of gods) status. In October 2025, he stated that over 9,000 acres of land had been recovered from "land jihadis," along with the sealing of 250 illegal madrasas and demolition of over 500 illegal structures. He further added that no one would be allowed to occupy government land by illegal means. In December 2023, Dhami reported that 5,000 acres of land encroached through "land jihad" had been freed.
Recent actions include the demolition of approximately 60 illegal structures, including a madrasa allegedly being converted into a mosque by Islamists, in the western Doon region. This operation, part of a broader effort to clear approximately 11 hectares of Energy Department land, faced resistance from locals. Protests erupted during the demolition, with some individuals attempting to obstruct the operation, but police intervened. Authorities stated that the madrasa had been expanded over the past two years and was being converted into a mosque with tall minarets, despite prior notice for voluntary demolition.
In Vikasnagar, approximately 65 illegal encroachments on Uttarakhand Jal Vidyut Nigam Limited (UJVNL) land along the Shakti Canal banks were demolished. This drive, led by district and block-level administrative teams under heavy police presence, involved the use of six JCB machines to raze residential and non-residential buildings. Approximately 111 encroachments have been identified in this area, and the administration has faced resistance from the public. SDM Vinod Kumar stated that the operation was initiated by the corporation to clear approximately 10 hectares of land, reiterating that all structures on UJVNL land were constructed illegally.
In Roorkee's Piran Kalyar area, an illegal shrine built on land allocated to the Health Department was demolished. Authorities proceeded with the demolition after repeated administrative notices were ignored. The shrine had been constructed without legal permission on government land.
Critics of the anti-encroachment drive have raised concerns about the potential for arbitrary targeting and the lack of due process. Some claim that the term "land jihad" is being used to demonize and marginalize the Muslim community, while others question the legality and fairness of the demolitions. Concerns have also been raised regarding the rehabilitation and compensation for those displaced by the demolitions.
The Uttarakhand government maintains that these actions are necessary to protect government land and maintain law and order. Officials assert that all structures being demolished are illegal encroachments and that due process is being followed. The government has also stated its commitment to providing alternative housing or compensation to those who are genuinely displaced.
The ongoing anti-encroachment drive in Uttarakhand remains a contentious issue, with supporters praising the government's resolve and critics questioning the fairness and potential bias of the actions. The situation highlights the complex interplay between land rights, religious sentiments, and the rule of law.
