Himachal Real Estate Controversy: JDA Projects Under Scrutiny Amidst Section 118 Allegations

The Himachal Pradesh Real Estate Regulatory Authority (HPRERA) has clarified that of the 17 real estate projects registered under Joint Development Agreements (JDAs) since 2020, only five involve non-agriculturist partners. This clarification comes amid allegations of violations of Section 118 of the Himachal Pradesh Tenancy and Land Reforms Act regarding housing projects across the state.

Responding to inquiries from the Housing Department, HPRERA Chairperson RD Dhiman stated that in 12 projects registered under JDAs, partners are agriculturists, while only five involve non-agriculturists. Dhiman emphasized that all registrations complied with the law and RERA regulations, contrary to recent allegations.

The significance of this issue has grown with accusations of irregularities in the Chester Hills project in Solan district, questioning compliance with Section 118, which restricts non-agriculturists from developing agricultural land without government clearance. Dhiman clarified that the five projects involving non-agriculturist partners were registered before October 17, 2023, before a rule clarification stipulating JDA partners must be agriculturists.

As the Chester Hills-2 and Chester Hills-4 projects also come under scrutiny, the Himachal Pradesh government's examination found no Section 118 violations, with the Chief Secretary ruling the Joint Development Agreement as non-binding. The investigation gained momentum after a directive on May 7, 2026, by Additional Secretary Suneel Verma, ordered a review by the Vigilance Bureau of records related to JDA projects.

Moreover, the Vigilance Bureau was instructed to collect information on non-agriculturist JDA projects and cases of cancelled JDAs, with a report due within 15 days. The Chester Hills controversy in Solan district remains a significant political and administrative issue, with allegations of illegal land transactions and irregularities involving 275 bighas of land, currently being investigated by the Deputy Commissioner.

The issue has sparked significant political debate, with opposition parties raising concerns. Amid the backdrop of these allegations, senior officials, including former Chief Secretaries Srikant Baldi and RD Dhiman, are under scrutiny, with concerns about the handling of the Chester Hills development. The government's probe into these allegations and projects is ongoing, promising potential revelations.

(With inputs from agencies.)