RTI in Uttarakhand: Land Records, UPCL Electricity, and Hydropower Projects

Uttarakhand sits at a peculiar intersection of administrative legacies and natural geography. Carved from Uttar Pradesh in November 2000, the state inherited UP's land records system and revenue hierarchy. But the Himalayan hills, dense forest cover, and hundreds of hydropower projects create a set of land and utility disputes that are distinctly Uttarakhand-specific — from Benap unmeasured land in hillside villages to resettlement colonies for Tehri dam-affected families.

This article covers three domains where RTI is most used in Uttarakhand: Bhulekh UK land records, UPCL electricity, and hydropower project accountability. It also covers the urban development authorities and RERA. For each domain, the article identifies the correct public authority, the second appeal jurisdiction, and provides sample RTI questions you can adapt.

Part 1: Bhulekh UK Land Records

Background: Bhulekh UK and Its Origins

Uttarakhand's digital land records system is called Bhulekh UK and is maintained by the National Informatics Centre (NIC) in partnership with the Revenue Department of the Government of Uttarakhand. Since Uttarakhand was bifurcated from Uttar Pradesh, its land records system follows the same structure as UP's Bhulekh — the same document names, the same hierarchy, the same revenue court system. The Bhulekh UK portal provides public access to Khasra and Khatauni records at the village level.

Key Documents in Uttarakhand's Land Records

Khasra (Khasra Register / Gata Number): The Khasra is the primary plot-level record. In Uttarakhand, the individual plot is identified by its Gata number or Khasra number — the terms are often used interchangeably. The Khasra record shows the plot number, area, owner's name (Bhumiswami), possessor or cultivator, land use classification (agricultural, homestead, wasteland, government land, forest), and any annotations such as government encumbrances or mortgage entries.

Khatauni (Rights Record, Holder-wise): While the Khasra is organised plot-by-plot, the Khatauni is organised holder-by-holder. The Khatauni lists all Khasra numbers held by a particular landholder, the area of each, and the nature of the rights (Bhumidhari, Sirdar, tenancy). The Khatauni is the document most commonly required for bank loans, government schemes, and property transactions. If your name has been incorrectly entered, or if an entry you did not make appears, the Khatauni is the starting point for RTI.

Intkal (Mutation Record): Whenever land changes hands — through purchase, inheritance, partition, gift, or court decree — the change must be reflected in the revenue records through a process called Intkal (mutation). Intkal is processed at the Tehsildar or Naib Tehsildar level. RTI can access the complete Intkal proceedings, including: the application, the Lekhpal's field verification report, notices issued to other interested parties, objections filed, and the final Intkal order.

Shajra / Naksha (Village Map): The Shajra or Naksha is the graphical field map of a village, showing the boundaries and numbers of all Khasra plots. It is essential in boundary disputes where the physical position of a fence or wall does not match the recorded Khasra boundary. RTI for the Naksha is filed with the revenue office holding the village records.

Revenue Hierarchy in Uttarakhand

Understanding the hierarchy is critical for addressing your RTI application to the correct CPIO:

• Lekhpal — Uttarakhand's equivalent of the Patwari in UP. The Lekhpal is the village-level revenue official who maintains the Khasra and Khatauni registers for a defined group of villages. The Lekhpal is the source of initial field records but is not the RTI CPIO. RTI goes to the next level.
• Revenue Inspector (RI) — supervises multiple Lekhpals, conducts field verification for Intkal applications, and submits reports to the Naib Tehsildar or Tehsildar.
• Naib Tehsildar / Tehsildar — the revenue authority at tehsil level. For most land record RTIs in Uttarakhand, the Tehsildar is the CPIO. Intkal orders, B-1 corrections, and Khasra entry matters are decided at this level.
• Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) — hears appeals from Tehsildar orders; oversees multiple tehsils in a revenue sub-division.
• District Magistrate (DM) — the apex district revenue authority.

All these are Uttarakhand State government authorities. Second appeals under Section 19(3) go to the Uttarakhand Information Commission (UAIC), not the Central Information Commission (CIC).

Bhumidhari and Sirdar Tenure

Uttarakhand (and before bifurcation, Uttar Pradesh) recognised two classes of land tenure under the Zamindari Abolition and Land Reforms Act:

Bhumidhar (Bhumidhari rights): The highest class of land rights. A Bhumidhar has full ownership rights and can sell, mortgage, or gift the land without prior government permission. The land is inheritable. Bhumidhari rights are the standard for most agricultural holdings in the plains and hills of Uttarakhand.

Sirdar (Sirdar rights): A restricted form of tenancy rights. A Sirdar has the right to cultivate and possess the land, but the rights are more limited — historically, Sirdars needed government permission or had restrictions on transfer. Over time, many Sirdars were given the option to convert to Bhumidhari status by paying a premium. However, some holdings still remain recorded as Sirdar tenure, particularly in remote areas where formal conversion was never completed.

Why this matters for RTI: If you are purchasing land in Uttarakhand, or if you have inherited land, it is important to verify from the Khatauni whether the tenure is Bhumidhari or Sirdar. If the classification is incorrect — for instance, if a holding should have been converted to Bhumidhari after a premium payment but the revenue records still show Sirdar — RTI to the Tehsildar for the conversion records and the payment receipt is the documented route to identify the discrepancy.

Sample RTI question: "Please provide a certified copy of the Khatauni entry for Khasra/Gata number X in village X, Panchayat X, Tehsil X, District X, specifically showing the name of the current Bhumiswami/rights-holder and whether the tenure is recorded as Bhumidhari or Sirdar. If the tenure is recorded as Sirdar, please also provide any records of an application by the rights-holder for conversion to Bhumidhari tenure and whether any premium was paid."

Benap Land: Unmeasured and Unsurveyed Plots

Benap land is land that has not been formally measured or surveyed and therefore does not have a precise Khasra number with recorded area. The term "Benap" literally means "unmeasured." Benap land is common in the hills and forest margins of Uttarakhand — steep slopes, rocky outcrops, and areas that were historically too remote or difficult to survey formally.

Benap land is a perennial source of disputes because:

1. The boundary between Benap private land and adjacent government or forest land is often unclear.
2. Without a formal Khasra number and measured area, the rights-holder's claim is based on possession and oral history rather than documented title.
3. Revenue officials may classify Benap land as "Gaon Sabha" (village council) land or government wasteland in the Khasra records, even where a family has cultivated it for generations.

RTI for Benap land:

• "Please provide records for Khasra/Gata number X in village X, Tehsil X, District X, specifically: (a) whether this Khasra is recorded as 'Benap' in the Khasra register; (b) if Benap, whether any survey or formal measurement proceedings are pending or have been completed; (c) the current recorded classification (private agricultural, homestead, Gaon Sabha, government, forest) of this plot."

Forest-Revenue Boundary Disputes

One of Uttarakhand's most persistent and politically sensitive land disputes involves the boundary between revenue land and forest land. The state has a very high proportion of forest cover, and the boundaries between Revenue Department records and Forest Department records do not always agree.

A plot may be recorded in the Revenue Khasra as private agricultural or homestead land, while the Forest Department claims the same land falls within its designated forest boundary. This creates a situation where a family holds a Khatauni entry but cannot develop or transfer the land without forest clearance, and may even face demolition notices from the Forest Department.

RTI strategy for forest-revenue boundary disputes:

File two RTI applications in parallel — one to the Revenue Department and one to the Forest Department:

1. RTI to the Tehsildar (Revenue Department): "Please provide the current Khasra and Khatauni record for Khasra number X in village X, Tehsil X, District X, showing the land use classification, area, and name of the rights-holder. Also, please provide any orders, communications, or noting on file regarding a claim or encroachment by the Forest Department on this Khasra number."
2. RTI to the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) (Forest Department): "Please provide any records showing whether land described as Khasra number X in village X, Tehsil X, District X falls within or adjacent to the boundary of name of forest range, and whether the Forest Department has any claim, notification, or pending proceeding regarding this land."

The discrepancy between the two responses documents the dispute in official terms and is the foundation for any legal challenge.

Char Dham Highway Project: RTI Jurisdiction

The Char Dham highway (four-laning of the NH-58, NH-94, NH-109, and related stretches) involves two categories of implementing agencies:

• National sections (NH) under NHAI or Border Roads Organisation (BRO): These are Central Government bodies. RTI for land acquisition compensation, forest clearance details, contractor information, and project delays for these sections goes to NHAI or BRO → CIC.
• State PWD sections: Where the state Public Works Department is the implementing agency for connecting roads or non-NH portions, the correct authority is the Uttarakhand PWD → UAIC.

Sample RTI questions for Char Dham land acquisition:

• "Please provide the Award passed under the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013 (RFCTLARR Act) for land acquired for the project name in village/tehsil, showing the per-square-metre compensation rate determined and the date of the Award."
• "Please provide the list of beneficiaries who have received compensation under the above Award, the amounts paid, and the dates of payment."

Sample RTI Questions: Land Records Summary

1. Certified copy of Khasra for Gata/Khasra number X in village X, Panchayat X, Tehsil X, District X.
2. Certified copy of Khatauni entry for the above Khasra number, showing the rights-holder, tenure type, and area.
3. Complete Intkal/mutation proceedings (application, RI report, notices, final order) for mutation case number X or for the above land.
4. Current Bhumidhari/Sirdar classification and any conversion records.
5. Whether any forest or government encumbrance is recorded against the above Khasra; if yes, a copy of the relevant order.

Part 2: UPCL Electricity

UPCL: Public Authority Status

UPCL (Uttarakhand Power Corporation Limited) is the single statewide electricity distribution company (DISCOM) in Uttarakhand. UPCL is a state government company — it distributes power across virtually the entire state (except certain areas served by Ujaas Energy or industrial consumers with direct connections). As a state government company, UPCL is a public authority under Section 2(h) of the RTI Act, 2005, and second appeals go to the Uttarakhand Information Commission (UAIC).

UERC (Uttarakhand Electricity Regulatory Commission) is the state statutory regulator for the power sector, established under the Electricity Act, 2003. UERC is also a state body, and its second appeal also lies with the UAIC.

RTI Use Cases for UPCL

Billing disputes — actual vs estimated meter readings: UPCL (like most DISCOMs) sometimes issues bills based on estimated consumption rather than actual meter readings, particularly in remote hill areas where meter reading access is difficult. RTI to the UPCL Sub-Division Office (CPIO) is the documented way to get:

• "Please provide the actual meter reading records for consumer number X for the billing cycles date range, showing whether the readings were actual or estimated, the name of the meter reader, and the reading dates."
• "Please provide the consumption history for consumer number X for the past 12 billing cycles."

New connection delays: If a new domestic or agricultural connection application has been filed but no connection has been provided within the prescribed time (UERC regulations specify standard connection timelines):

• "Please provide the current status of the new electricity connection application number X filed on date for the premises at address. Specifically: (a) the date on which the feasibility report was completed; (b) the date on which the demand notice was issued; (c) whether the applicant's payment of the demand amount has been received; (d) the reason for non-provision of connection as of the date of this application; (e) the name of the officer responsible for processing this application."

Disconnection without notice: Under Section 56 of the Electricity Act, 2003, a DISCOM must give at least 15 days' prior notice before disconnecting supply for non-payment. Disconnection of a disputed amount during a pending CGRF (Consumer Grievance Redressal Forum) complaint is prohibited:

• "Please provide a copy of the 15-day prior notice issued to consumer number X before disconnection on date, and the name and designation of the official who authorised the disconnection order."

Transformer maintenance and supply reliability: In rural Uttarakhand, transformer failures cause prolonged outages that can last days or weeks. RTI to the UPCL Sub-Division for:

• "Please provide the maintenance complaint register entries for transformer number/feeder X serving village X for the period date range, showing the date of each complaint, the date of rectification, and the duration of supply interruption."
• "Please provide the number of transformer failures and average restoration time for Sub-Division X for the financial year year."

Agricultural connections: Uttarakhand has a significant number of agricultural consumers, and waiting lists for new agricultural connections are common:

• "Please provide the current waiting list for agricultural electricity connections in area/Sub-Division, and the date of application of the applicant at serial number X on the waiting list."

Part 3: Hydropower Projects — State vs Central

Uttarakhand is among India's most hydropower-rich states, with dozens of small, medium, and large projects spread across its river systems. For RTI purposes, the critical distinction is whether the project is operated by a state government company (second appeal UAIC) or a Central Government company or PSU (second appeal CIC).

State Hydropower: UJVN Ltd

UJVN Ltd (Uttarakhand Jal Vidyut Nigam Limited) is the state hydropower generation company. UJVN operates dozens of smaller hydropower stations across Uttarakhand. As a state government company, UJVN is a public authority and second appeal lies with the UAIC.

RTI use cases for UJVN:

• Generation records and plant load factor (PLF) for UJVN stations.
• Contractor details and payments for UJVN dam repair or construction projects.
• Environmental flow release records (mandatory minimum flow below hydro projects).

Central Hydropower: THDC India Ltd

THDC India Ltd (Tehri Hydro Development Corporation) is the operator of the iconic Tehri Dam on the Bhagirathi river — one of the largest dams in Asia. THDC began as a joint venture between the Government of India and the Government of Uttarakhand, but is now a Central PSU under NTPC Ltd. As a Central PSU, THDC is a public authority and second appeals go to the CIC (Central Information Commission), not the UAIC.

THDC is particularly important for RTI related to the resettlement and rehabilitation (R&R) of Tehri dam-affected families. The construction of the Tehri dam submerged multiple towns and villages, displacing tens of thousands of families. The R&R process involved the creation of new townships (Tehri New Town and resettlement colonies near Rishikesh) with allotment of plots, compensation, and facilities.

Sample RTI questions for THDC / Tehri dam R&R:

• "Please provide the complete list of families from village X or town X declared project-affected under the Tehri Hydro Development Corporation project, showing the compensation or plot allotment details for each family."
• "Please provide a copy of the Land Acquisition Award for the land acquired from Khasra/Survey number X in village X, Tehsil X for the Tehri Dam project, showing the compensation rate, the date of the Award, and the amount actually paid."
• "Please provide the current R&R entitlement status for family/individual with resettlement ID or compensation case number X, including whether all instalments of compensation have been paid and whether the allotted plot in resettlement colony has been handed over."

Central Hydropower: SJVN Ltd

SJVN Ltd (Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam Limited) is a Central PSU jointly owned by the Government of India and the Government of Himachal Pradesh. SJVN operates the Nathpa Jhakri project in Himachal Pradesh and has several projects in Uttarakhand and other states. As a Central PSU, SJVN is a public authority and second appeals go to the CIC.

Central Hydropower: NTPC Hydro Projects

NTPC Ltd (formerly National Thermal Power Corporation, now diversified into hydro and renewables) operates several hydropower projects in Uttarakhand. NTPC is a Central Navratna PSU and a public authority — second appeals go to the CIC.

Private Hydropower Developers

Many smaller run-of-river hydropower projects in Uttarakhand have been developed by private companies under long-term power purchase agreements. These private companies are not public authorities under Section 2(h) and cannot be directly RTI-ed. However, the regulatory licencing authority — UERC for state power purchase agreements, and MoEF&CC/Forest Department for environmental and forest clearances — is a public authority. RTI to the licencing authority can access:

• The power purchase agreement (PPA) terms (to the extent not legitimately exempt under Section 8(1)(d)).
• The environmental clearance conditions and compliance status.
• Land acquisition records held by the Revenue Department or Forest Department.

Part 4: Urban Bodies and Development Authorities

MDDA — Mussoorie-Dehradun Development Authority

MDDA is the state development authority responsible for planned development in the Mussoorie-Dehradun region. As a state body, second appeal lies with the UAIC. RTI use cases: building plan approvals, layout sanction, encroachment notices, compounding of unauthorized construction.

Haridwar Development Authority

The Haridwar Development Authority oversees planned development in the Haridwar urban area. State body → UAIC. RTI use cases: plot allotments, layout approvals, encroachment cases.

Municipal Corporation Dehradun

Dehradun's Municipal Corporation is a state-created local body. Second appeal → UAIC. RTI use cases: trade licence delays, building plan sanctions, birth/death certificate disputes, property tax assessments.

Uttarakhand RERA

Uttarakhand RERA is the state Real Estate Regulatory Authority, established under the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016. It is a state statutory body and second appeal lies with the UAIC. RTI use cases: project registration status, promoter quarterly progress reports, complaint outcomes, and whether a builder's RERA registration is valid.

UK HHDC (Uttarakhand Housing and Urban Development Corporation)

The UK Housing and Urban Development Corporation (Ukhmand / UK HHDC) develops housing colonies and flats for the general public and government employees. State body → UAIC. RTI use cases: allotment list for housing schemes, status of pending allotments, draw of lots records.

Second Appeal: Uttarakhand Information Commission (UAIC)

All Uttarakhand state government bodies — Revenue Department, UPCL, UJVN, MDDA, RERA Uttarakhand, Municipal Corporation Dehradun, Haridwar Development Authority, UK HHDC, UERC — fall under the Uttarakhand Information Commission (UAIC) for Second Appeals under Section 19(3) of the RTI Act, 2005.

Central Government bodies operating in Uttarakhand — THDC India Ltd, SJVN Ltd, NTPC, NHAI, BRO, Forest Survey of India (FSI) — fall under the Central Information Commission (CIC) for Second Appeals.

Second appeals must be filed within 90 days of the date on which the decision of the First Appellate Authority was given, or within 90 days of the expiry of the time allowed for the First Appellate Authority to decide, whichever is earlier (Section 19(3) read with Section 19(6)).

Practical Filing Notes for Uttarakhand

1. RTI Online: Central Government bodies (THDC, SJVN, NTPC) can be filed via rtionline.gov.in. Verify the current official URL before filing.
2. State bodies: For Revenue Department, UPCL, UJVN, and other state bodies, Uttarakhand has a state RTI portal. Verify the current official URL before filing. Offline applications sent by post to the CPIO are also valid under the RTI Act.
3. Application fee: ₹10 under the RTI (Regulation of Fee and Cost) Rules, 2005. BPL cardholders are exempt under Section 7(5).
4. No reasons required: Under Section 6(2) of the RTI Act, you are not required to give reasons for seeking information.
5. Response deadline: 30 days under Section 7(1); 48 hours if the information concerns the life or liberty of a person.
6. If no response in 30 days: File a First Appeal within 30 days under Section 19(1). After the First Appeal, if unsatisfied, file a Second Appeal to the UAIC (for state bodies) or CIC (for Central bodies) under Section 19(3).