Restrictions are likely to be extended to Terai region, including parts of Nainital and Haridwar, and ‘no relaxation will be granted this year’ RUDRAPUR: A total ban on summer paddy cultivation is set to be imposed in Uttarakhand’s ‘food bowl’ Udham Singh Nagar from Feb 1 to April 30 – the first such explicit groundwater-linked restriction in the region. The move may directly affect close to 15,000 farmers and put nearly Rs 150 crore worth of produce at stake. The ban covers paddy sowing, nursery preparation and transplantation, DM Nitin Singh Bhadauria said, adding restrictions are likely to be extended across Terai region, including parts of Nainital and Haridwar, and “no relaxation would be granted this year”. In 2024, a similar ban was briefly imposed but later relaxed after talks with farmers. No other district in the state currently has an identical, explicit ban on summer paddy, while states like Haryana enforce a statutory ban on early paddy sowing under a subsoil water law, whereas Punjab follows calendar-based restrictions. “This decision has been taken after consultations with agricultural scientists and farmer groups. Our priority is long-term water security, and we urge farmers to cooperate,” the DM said. As per estimates, summer paddy is usually cultivated on around 22,000 hectares of land in the district. With most farmers operating on small holdings of one to two hectares, the restriction is likely to directly hit household incomes. The ban has been justified by officials and experts. Over the past decade, groundwater levels in the district have reportedly fallen by nearly 70 feet. Blocks such as Jaspur and Kashipur have already been classified as “critical”. Rice farming is widely seen as the “single largest contributor to indiscriminate groundwater extraction in the region”, according to officials.About the AuthorAakash AhujaA seasoned journalist with over two decades of experience in pursuing truth and amplifying voices that matter. Dedicated to illuminating stories with integrity, depth, and impact, while crafting compelling narratives that resonate with readers and inspire meaningful change across society.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosCongress MP says India remains “heavily invested emotionally and politically” in Bangladesh”Our Youth Is Creative And Innovative,” PM Modi At Viksit Bharat Dialogue“Deeply Impressed,” CEOs Share Takeaways After Meeting PM Modi | VideoFrom Defence To AI: PM Modi Urges German CEOs To Make India Their Global Manufacturing Base’Real Friends Always…’: Trump’s New Envoy Sergio Gor Pledges To Reset India-US TiesNot Trade Or Defence: Why Four-Year Old Baby Ariha Shah Became Key Topic In Modi–Germany TalksAAP’s Raghav Chadha Turns Blinkit Delivery Agent for a Day Amid Gig Workers’ Row’Will Come to Mumbai, Try Cutting My Legs: Annamalai Hits Back at Raj ThackerayIndia Tests Indigenous Fire And Forget Anti-Tank Missile With Top Attack Strike On Moving TargetsShaksgam Valley Row Deepens As China Rejects India’s Claim And Defends CPEC Infra Project With Pak123PhotostoriesBreathtaking pictures of Nupur Sanon and Stebin Ben’s stylish Hindu wedding5 animals that survive by pretending to be deadHow to make Halwai Style Aloo Sabji at homeFrom mindful portions to intermittent fasting: When Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah’s Munmun Dutta gave a peek into her disciplined diet and daily routineTimothée Chalamet to Jacob Elordi: The Men of the 2026 Golden Globes who delivered a masterclass in modern tailoringThalapathy Vijay’s ‘Jana Nayagan’ delayed: 8 must-watch OTT hits to streamTamil Nadu Assembly Elections 2026: Alliances, numbers and the battle for 234 seats5 jungle survival tips Bear Grylls swears by, and how they apply beyond the wildChef Sanjeev Kapoor shares 5 crunchy snack recipes to enjoy with chai during winter `Best horror dramas on Apple TV: ‘The Enfield Poltergeist’, ‘Servant’ and more123Hot PicksISRO PSLV-C62 missionTrump tariffsGold rate todayBengaluru newsCigarette price hikePublic holidays January 2026Bank Holidays JanuaryTop TrendingNFL Football Playoff Schedule 2026George Kittle InjuryVanessa Bryant and Natalia Bryant Net WorthBrooks Koepka and Jena Sims Net WorthBengaluru Girl RapeConnor McDavidISRO LaunchGeorge Valera Net WorthNandani SharmaDarius Slay
RUDRAPUR: A total ban on summer paddy cultivation is set to be imposed in Uttarakhand’s ‘food bowl’ Udham Singh Nagar from Feb 1 to April 30 – the first such explicit groundwater-linked restriction in the region. The move may directly affect close to 15,000 farmers and put nearly Rs 150 crore worth of produce at stake. The ban covers paddy sowing, nursery preparation and transplantation, DM Nitin Singh Bhadauria said, adding restrictions are likely to be extended across Terai region, including parts of Nainital and Haridwar, and “no relaxation would be granted this year”. In 2024, a similar ban was briefly imposed but later relaxed after talks with farmers. No other district in the state currently has an identical, explicit ban on summer paddy, while states like Haryana enforce a statutory ban on early paddy sowing under a subsoil water law, whereas Punjab follows calendar-based restrictions. “This decision has been taken after consultations with agricultural scientists and farmer groups. Our priority is long-term water security, and we urge farmers to cooperate,” the DM said. As per estimates, summer paddy is usually cultivated on around 22,000 hectares of land in the district. With most farmers operating on small holdings of one to two hectares, the restriction is likely to directly hit household incomes. The ban has been justified by officials and experts. Over the past decade, groundwater levels in the district have reportedly fallen by nearly 70 feet. Blocks such as Jaspur and Kashipur have already been classified as “critical”. Rice farming is widely seen as the “single largest contributor to indiscriminate groundwater extraction in the region”, according to officials.