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NAKSHA: A Comprehensive Overview of Urban Land Survey Initiative

Transforming Urban Land Records through Technology

NAKSHA: A Comprehensive Overview of Urban Land Survey Initiative

  • 02 Mar, 2025
  • 399

What is NAKSHA?

NAKSHA, or National Geospatial Knowledge-based Land Survey of Urban Habitations, is a significant initiative under the Digital India Land Records Modernisation Programme (DILRMP). This program is spearheaded by the Department of Land Resources (DoLR), part of the Ministry of Rural Development. Its primary goal is to establish a comprehensive geospatial database for urban land records by employing aerial and field surveys through GIS technology.

Why was NAKSHA launched?

The initiative was launched to address the pressing need for updated and organized land records in urban regions. While rural land records have seen substantial improvements, many urban areas still suffer from outdated maps, which can result in governance inefficiencies. NAKSHA aims to modernize urban land administration, taxation, and planning processes.

How does NAKSHA benefit urban governance?

NAKSHA enhances urban governance by streamlining property ownership records, thereby improving efficiency in land management. It reduces land disputes, enhances urban planning, and strengthens property tax collection mechanisms, leading to more effective governance overall.

What is the scope of the pilot project?

The pilot project encompasses 152 urban local bodies across 26 states in India, surveying a total area of 4,142.63 square kilometers of the country’s urban land, which totals approximately 1.02 lakh square kilometers.

How is the initiative funded?

NAKSHA is fully funded by the central government. The estimated cost for the pilot project is around ₹194 crore.

What is the cost per square km for the survey?

The cost of the survey varies based on the technology employed:

  • ₹25,000–₹30,000 per square kilometer for standard cameras
  • Up to ₹60,000 per square kilometer for advanced 3D cameras

How will the land survey be conducted?

The survey will be executed in a three-stage process:

  • Drone Survey: This includes selecting the area, creating a flight plan, and extracting data.
  • Field Verification: This phase involves cross-checking property details such as tax records and ownership, followed by the creation of 2D/3D models.
  • Finalization: Claims and objections will be addressed before the final maps are published.

How will NAKSHA improve urban land management?

By digitizing land records using GIS mapping, NAKSHA ensures enhanced land governance, increased transparency, and improved financial stability for urban local bodies. A well-structured land system serves as the foundation for a fair and thriving society.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What technology does NAKSHA use for land surveys?
Answer: NAKSHA employs GIS technology, utilizing drones for aerial surveys and 3D modeling to create accurate urban land records.

Q2. How will NAKSHA affect property disputes?
Answer: By streamlining property records and enhancing transparency, NAKSHA aims to significantly reduce land disputes in urban areas.

Q3. Is NAKSHA impacting rural land records?
Answer: NAKSHA primarily focuses on urban land records, but improvements in urban governance may indirectly benefit rural land record systems through better overall land management.

Q4. How is the data from NAKSHA utilized?
Answer: The data collected through NAKSHA is used for urban planning, property tax assessment, and efficient land governance, enhancing overall urban management.

Q5. What are the long-term benefits of NAKSHA?
Answer: Long-term benefits include improved urban planning, efficient land administration, reduced disputes, and better financial management for urban local bodies.

UPSC Practice MCQs

Question 1: What is the main objective of the NAKSHA initiative?
A) To improve rural land records
B) To create a geospatial database for urban land records
C) To reduce property tax
D) To develop new urban policies
Correct Answer: B

Question 2: Who leads the NAKSHA initiative?
A) Ministry of Urban Development
B) Ministry of Rural Development
C) Department of Agriculture
D) Ministry of Finance
Correct Answer: B

Question 3: How many urban local bodies are involved in the NAKSHA pilot project?
A) 100
B) 152
C) 200
D) 50
Correct Answer: B

Question 4: What technology is primarily used in NAKSHA for data collection?
A) Satellite imagery
B) GIS technology
C) Manual surveys
D) Mobile applications
Correct Answer: B

Question 5: What is the estimated cost of the NAKSHA pilot project?
A) ₹100 crore
B) ₹150 crore
C) ₹194 crore
D) ₹250 crore
Correct Answer: C

Question 6: What is a key benefit of digitizing land records in urban areas?
A) Increased land disputes
B) Better land governance
C) Higher property taxes
D) Slower urban planning
Correct Answer: B

 

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