Ladakh Govt Proposes New Land Use Policy: Stakeholders Invited to Comment

Ziraat Times News Desk

Leh – The Revenue Department of the Union Territory of Ladakh has announced the release of a draft proposal for a comprehensive Change of Land Use (CLU) Policy, seeking to establish a streamlined and uniform procedure for converting agricultural land to non-agricultural purposes.

The proposed policy addresses the current lack of a clear, territory-wide procedure for land conversion, which has led to delays and unmanaged growth of residential and commercial establishments. The department has emphasized the need for planned growth and a housing policy for rural areas while preventing the indiscriminate conversion of agricultural land.

Key Highlights of the Proposed CLU Policy

The draft document, M-17056/22/2025-Revenue Section, outlines several key provisions:

• Jurisdiction: Land within municipal/urban areas will require the applicant to approach the respective Deputy Commissioner (DC). Land outside these limits will require direct application to the DC.

• Approval Committee: A District Level Committee, chaired by the Deputy Commissioner, will review and recommend cases for land use change. The committee includes members like the Executive Engineer (R&B/PW), Executive Engineer (I&FC), and the Executive Officer Municipal Committee.

• Procedure Streamlining: The DC is expected to forward the application within two days for the accord of permission. The District Level Committee must meet at least twice a month and is required to dispose of applications within a maximum period of 15 days from the date of receipt of the request.

• Conversion Fee: For the change of land use from agricultural to non-agricultural purposes, the landowner will be charged a fee equivalent to:

  • Five (5) per cent of the value of the land for commercial purposes.

  • Three (3) per cent of the value of the land for residential and other purposes.

• Exclusions: The policy clarifies that land conversion is not permitted for areas within 100 feet of the centre of state/inter-district roads, or within a specified distance of the railway line/National Highway as per relevant acts. It also prohibits conversion on irrigated lands if the change is likely to obstruct, bisect, or disturb any irrigation channel.

The policy explicitly states that cases already under process in the Administrative Department will be disposed of on their merits without charging any conversion fee. It will be applicable to both urban and rural areas throughout the Union Territory.

Call for Stakeholder Input

Before the CLU policy is finalized, the Revenue Department is inviting comments, suggestions, or objections from all stakeholders.

Submission Details:

• Deadline: Within 21 days from the date of the draft proposal’s publication on the official website.

• Email: [email protected]

• Postal Address: Office of the Administrative Secretary, Revenue Department, Ground Floor, UT Secretariat Ladakh, Leh 194101.

Only comments and suggestions received within the specified period will be considered for the finalization of the policy.