Land Measurement Units in Uttarakhand – Complete Guide

Kajal, 1 week ago, 3 min read, 18 Views

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Overview

Land in India is measured in many different traditional and modern units, and Uttarakhand is no exception. While acres, hectares, and square meters are widely used officially, the hill regions still follow their own local measurement systems like Nali, Biswa, Bigha, and Viswa. For anyone dealing with land purchase, farming, or property in Uttarakhand, it’s important to understand these units and their conversions.

In this article, we’ll explore the traditional and standard land measurement units in Uttarakhand, along with examples and conversion details.

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🌿 Why Uttarakhand Has Unique Land Units?

Uttarakhand is a hilly state with diverse geography. In the plains (Haridwar, Udham Singh Nagar, Dehradun), land is usually measured in Bigha, Biswa, and Acre, similar to other north Indian states.
But in the hilly regions (Almora, Pithoragarh, Chamoli, Tehri, etc.), the traditional unit Nali is very common. These units evolved based on local farming practices, soil fertility, and terrain.

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Common Land Measurement Units in Uttarakhand

1. Nali

• The most popular unit in hill districts.
• 1 Nali = 2160 square feet (approx.)
• 20 Nali = 1 Bigha (in hills)
• Farmers often use Nali to measure agricultural land, especially for terraced farming.

👉 Example: If someone says they own 10 Nali, it means around 21,600 sq. ft. or about half a Bigha.

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2. Bigha

• Widely used in both plains and hills, but size varies.
• In plains: 1 Bigha ≈ 20 Biswa ≈ 27,000 sq. ft. (can differ region to region).
• In hills: 1 Bigha = 20 Nali ≈ 43,200 sq. ft.

👉 Important: Always confirm local definition when dealing with Bigha, because its value changes.

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3. Biswa / Biswansi

• Common in plains of Uttarakhand.
• 1 Bigha = 20 Biswa.
• 1 Biswa ≈ 1,350 sq. ft. (plains)
• Biswansi is a smaller unit, where 20 Biswansi = 1 Biswa.

👉 Farmers in Haridwar and Udham Singh Nagar often calculate land in Biswa.

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4. Viswa (sometimes spelled Vishwa)

• Smaller traditional unit, mostly in Kumaon side.
• Around 135 sq. ft. in many areas.
• Useful for measuring small plots or house land.

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5. Gaj

Gaj is one of the most commonly used units of land measurement in Uttarakhand and across North India. It is a smaller unit compared to Nali or Bigha and is often used for measuring plots, houses, or small pieces of land.

• 1 Gaj = 9 Square Feet
• 1 Square Yard = 1 Gaj
• 1 Acre = 4840 Gaj (approx.)

People in cities and towns of Uttarakhand usually prefer Gaj for real estate dealings, especially in residential plots and urban properties.

6. Acre

• Standard unit used in modern land records and property deals.
• 1 Acre = 43,560 sq. ft. = 4,047 sq. meters.
• Common in real estate and government land documentation.

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7. Hectare

• Metric unit widely used officially.
• 1 Hectare = 2.47 Acres = 10,000 sq. meters.
• Often used in agriculture and forest land records.

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7. Square Meter / Square Feet

• Standard metric units.
• Used in property registration, urban land, and housing projects.
• 1 sq. meter = 10.76 sq. ft.

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Conversion Table (Uttarakhand Hills)

Unit	Equivalent in Sq. Ft.	Conversion Notes
1 Nali	2,160 sq. ft.	Traditional hill farming unit
20 Nali	43,200 sq. ft.	= 1 Bigha (hills)
1 Biswa (plains)	~1,350 sq. ft.	20 Biswa = 1 Bigha (plains)
1 Viswa	~135 sq. ft.	10 Viswa ≈ 1 Biswa (in some regions)
1 Gaj (Sq. Yard)	9 sq. ft.	Commonly used for plots & houses
1 Acre	43,560 sq. ft.	Standard English unit
1 Hectare	107,639 sq. ft.	2.47 Acres

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Key Takeaways

• Plains (Haridwar, US Nagar, Dehradun) → Bigha, Biswa, Acre.
• Hills (Almora, Chamoli, Tehri, Pithoragarh) → Nali, Bigha (different size).
• Modern documents → Square meter, Hectare, Acre.
• Always double-check conversion with the local revenue office (Patwari) before finalizing deals.

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Conclusion

Land measurement in Uttarakhand is a blend of tradition and modernity. While Nali and Biswa connect people to their cultural roots, acres and hectares bring standardization. For anyone planning to invest, farm, or build in Uttarakhand, understanding these units is the first step toward clarity and trust.

By knowing these measurements, you don’t just calculate land – you also connect with the region’s heritage and the way people have lived with their land for centuries.

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FAQ’s