With more than 600 million people expected to live in India’s cities by 2031, the central government has launched the NAKSHA (National Geospatial Knowledge-based Land Survey of Urban Habitations) program to modernize and digitize India’s urban land maps, which remain outdated, incomplete and often inaccurate.
Once the pilot phase of surveying 157 urban local bodies, which began in February, is completed, the next phase will cover 1,000 cities, with all urban local bodies surveyed over the next five years, Manoj Joshi, secretary, Ministry of Land Resources, said on Wednesday.
Mint explains the central government’s rationale behind implementing Naksha.
What is the Naksha program and what does it aim to achieve?
The Naksha program uses advanced technologies such as drone surveys, Global Navigation Satellite System mapping and Geographic Information System (GIS) tools to create accurate digital land records. Using state-of-the-art aerial and field survey techniques, Naksha builds a comprehensive GIS-integrated urban land database.
Its purpose is to create and update municipal land records to ensure accurate and reliable documentation of land ownership. Under this initiative, citizens will receive a government-backed UrPro (Urban Property Ownership Record) card, a digital proof of ownership that simplifies real estate transactions. With Naksha, people no longer have to rely on reams of paper or intermediaries to confirm ownership.
Why is the central government implementing Naksha specifically in urban areas?
The central government aims to address the critical challenges arising from the rapid urbanization, increasing construction activity and increasing demand for housing and infrastructure. With more than 600 million people expected to live in India’s cities by 2031, local urban authorities are under enormous pressure to keep accurate land records and enforce planning regulations.
The government is trying to modernize this system by digitizing land records. The program also addresses the long-standing problem of fragmented and outdated spatial data. By integrating GIS-based mapping, remote sensing and 3D modeling, Naksha provides city authorities with accurate, real-time information essential for better infrastructure planning and development.
Another main focus is the restriction of unauthorized persons construction, a persistent problem in many Indian cities. Through real-time verification and digital monitoring, Naksha strengthens compliance mechanisms and helps detect violations early.
What is the current status of Naksha implementation?
Launched on February 18 this year, the initiative is a one-year pilot project launched by the Ministry of Land Resources under the Digital India Land Records Modernization Programme. It aims to revolutionize urban land records in 157 urban local bodies (ULBs) across 27 states and three union territories, covering over 4,484 sq km and benefiting over 15 million citizens.
Currently, the ministry is conducting a comprehensive review of technical issues, ensuring data accuracy in dense urban environments and aligning aerial surveys with ground reality and existing cadastral maps that show boundaries, subdivisions and ownership of individual plots in a specific area. Later, the survey will be replicated in around 5,000 ULBs across the country.
How will citizens, ULBs and builders benefit from Naksha?
The program offers significant benefits to citizens, ULBs and builders by digitizing and streamlining land and building approval systems. It brings security and accessibility to non-resident Indians and vulnerable groups such as persons with disabilities – allowing them to view and verify property records online, reducing the risk of any fraud and interference and ensuring easy access without frequent visits to government offices.
For citizens, it ensures faster and more transparent approval of the construction and renovation of houses, together with the monitoring of applications in real time. Developers benefit from predictable approval timelines, less paperwork, and automated review that ensures fair and consistent app reviews. It also improves urban planning by providing accurate and up-to-date geospatial data to manage infrastructure such as roads, water supply and sewerage.
What long-term impact will Naksha have on urban governance and development?
Naksha is expected to change the way Indian cities develop and function in the long run. By integrating with national missions such as Smart Cities and Prime Minister Gati Shakti, Naksha is likely to become an important part of India’s developing future.
It will not only strengthen local governance, but also promote citizen participation, empowerment and economic growth, paving the way for greater investment and job creation. With secure, verified digital land records, citizens will truly hold the key to their dreams – to steer India towards a fairer, more transparent and developed future.
“The Naksha scheme with its advanced geospatial mapping aims to revolutionize urban digital land records. But the real stumbling blocks are unauthorized constructions, encroachments and unplanned colonies,” said Paras Tyagi, a public policy consultant.
To succeed, Naksha must mandate the formulation of local plans in line with city master plans and ensure active public participation — a long-term gain necessary to address complex urban sprawl, Tyagi said.
