The National Geospatial Knowledge-based Land Survey of Urban Habitations (NAKSHA) is a transformative initiative launched by the Government of India to modernize and streamline land records in urban and semi-urban areas. This ambitious program, inaugurated by Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan in Madhya Pradesh, aims to enhance land ownership transparency and urban planning efficiency. Covering 152 Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) across 26 states and three Union Territories, the initiative is fully funded by the central government at an estimated cost of ₹194 crore.
Objectives of NAKSHA
The NAKSHA initiative is designed to:
- Ensure precise and updated documentation of land ownership.
- Empower citizens by improving ease of living and reducing bureaucratic hurdles.
- Minimize land-related disputes by establishing clear property boundaries.
- Enhance transparency and efficiency in property administration.
- Support sustainable urban planning and infrastructure development.
Technological Framework
NAKSHA leverages cutting-edge technology to conduct accurate and efficient land surveys:
- Drone-Based Aerial Surveys: Drones will capture orthorectified imagery, ensuring precise mapping of urban and semi-urban landscapes.
- Survey of India Partnership: As the technical partner, the Survey of India will oversee aerial surveys and data collection.
- GIS-Based Data Management: The Madhya Pradesh State Electronic Development Corporation (MPSEDC) will develop an end-to-end web-GIS platform to facilitate efficient data storage, analysis, and accessibility.
Implementation Process
The execution of the NAKSHA initiative follows a structured approach:
- Data Collection: Advanced drone technology will be employed to conduct aerial surveys.
- Field Surveys and Ground Truthing: States and Union Territories will validate aerial imagery through on-ground verification.
- Data Processing and Record Creation: The collected data will be processed and integrated into a digital repository.
- Issuance of Land Records: Property owners will receive official registration cards, ensuring clarity in land ownership.
Benefits of NAKSHA
The NAKSHA initiative offers numerous advantages, including:
- Enhanced Urban Planning: Accurate land data will facilitate better city development and infrastructure projects.
- Reduction in Property Disputes: Clearly defined land records will minimize conflicts related to ownership and encroachments.
- Sustainable Development: Efficient land management will promote planned growth and environmental conservation.
- Increased Transparency and Citizen Trust: Digital land records will provide a tamper-proof, publicly accessible system for property verification.
Historical Context and Policy Evolution
NAKSHA builds upon the earlier Svamitva scheme, which focused on validating property ownership in rural India. While Svamitva aimed to formalize land records in villages, NAKSHA extends this modernization effort to urban environments. This initiative signifies a broader commitment by the Indian government to digitize and reform land record systems across the country.
With NAKSHA’s structured approach and integration of advanced geospatial technology, India is taking a significant step toward improving urban land governance, fostering economic growth, and enhancing the overall quality of life for its citizens.