The long-standing dispute between Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh over the division of assets of the Irrigation Department has hit another roadblock in Champawat and Udham Singh Nagar districts. Uttar Pradesh has delayed the handover of land citing potential future requirements in these areas.
Although in 2023, a consensus was reached between the Chief Secretaries of both states to transfer 32 hectares in Champawat and 12.5 hectares in Udham Singh Nagar to Uttarakhand, no official orders have been issued so far. The land handover remains pending.
In a meeting held on April 11 in Haridwar, attended virtually by Uttarakhand Irrigation Minister Satpal Maharaj, UP officials reiterated their reservations, citing future developmental needs. To resolve the impasse, a joint team of Chief Engineers from both states’ irrigation departments will now assess the actual land requirements.
Meanwhile, UP has agreed to hand over 615 hectares in Haridwar to Uttarakhand and has offered a no-objection certificate (NOC) for an additional 697 hectares required for Kumbh Mela arrangements. This year, two inter-state meetings have already taken place—one in February in Banbasa and the other in April in Haridwar.
