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NAKSHA: Transforming Urban Land Records in India

A Comprehensive Overview of the NAKSHA Programme

NAKSHA: Transforming Urban Land Records in India

  • 07 Jun, 2025
  • 213

What is the NAKSHA Programme?

The National Geospatial Knowledge-based Land Survey of Urban Habitations (NAKSHA) is a pioneering initiative aimed at creating and updating land records in urban and peri-urban regions across India. This national pilot programme employs advanced geospatial technologies, including drones and GNSS rovers, to ensure precise mapping and efficient management of urban lands.

Initiation and Implementation of NAKSHA

The NAKSHA programme was initiated by the Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India, and is implemented by the Department of Land Resources. This initiative thrives on active collaboration with state governments, urban local bodies (ULBs), and other relevant departments to enhance its effectiveness and reach.

How Does NAKSHA Work?

NAKSHA operates through comprehensive geospatial surveys utilizing drones and GNSS rovers to meticulously map urban habitations. The programme generates detailed spatial data and updated records concerning land parcels, property boundaries, and essential infrastructure layouts. Furthermore, an IT-based system for property record administration is being developed to ensure transparency and facilitate modern urban planning.

For example, in Raisen, Madhya Pradesh, drones were deployed to map residential areas, identify boundary encroachments, and create accurate property records for thousands of households. The initiative is set to extend similar efforts to 122 urban local bodies and administrative headquarters across 26 states and 3 union territories.

Significance of NAKSHA in India

NAKSHA holds significant relevance for urban development in India through various means:

  • Creating Accurate Land Records: It provides precise mapping and updates on encroachments in urban slums, such as those in Bhopal and Indore.
  • Reducing Land Disputes: The programme aids in alleviating land-related conflicts in congested colonies in Mumbai by providing clear property boundaries and ownership data.
  • Supporting Urban Planning: NAKSHA helps integrate land data with city master plans in metropolitan areas like Bengaluru and Hyderabad, enhancing urban management.
  • Empowering Citizens: By offering digital access to updated property records, particularly in peri-urban areas of Delhi, it empowers citizens with essential information.
  • Promoting Sustainable Development: NAKSHA facilitates data-driven planning, which is crucial for sustainable urban development.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What technologies are used in the NAKSHA programme?
Answer: NAKSHA utilizes advanced geospatial technologies such as drones and GNSS rovers to conduct accurate land surveys in urban areas.

Q2. Who is responsible for implementing the NAKSHA initiative?
Answer: The Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India, oversees the NAKSHA programme through the Department of Land Resources, collaborating with various state and local bodies.

Q3. How does NAKSHA benefit urban planning?
Answer: NAKSHA enhances urban planning by providing updated land data, which helps integrate this information into city master plans for better infrastructure development.

Q4. What is the impact of NAKSHA on land disputes?
Answer: NAKSHA aims to reduce land-related disputes by providing clear property boundaries and ownership data, particularly in densely populated areas.

Q5. How does NAKSHA empower citizens?
Answer: The programme empowers citizens by offering digital access to accurate property records, ensuring transparency and fostering trust in land administration.

UPSC Practice MCQs

Question 1: What is the primary purpose of the NAKSHA programme?
A) To create and update land records in rural areas
B) To conduct agricultural surveys
C) To create and update land records in urban areas
D) To map forest lands
Correct Answer: C

Question 2: Which technology is primarily used in the NAKSHA programme?
A) Satellite imagery
B) Drones and GNSS rovers
C) Traditional surveying methods
D) Manual mapping
Correct Answer: B

Question 3: Which ministry launched the NAKSHA initiative?
A) Ministry of Urban Development
B) Ministry of Rural Development
C) Ministry of Home Affairs
D) Ministry of Information Technology
Correct Answer: B

Question 4: How does NAKSHA aim to reduce land disputes?
A) By providing manual records
B) By ensuring clear property boundaries
C) By ignoring property claims
D) By privatizing land records
Correct Answer: B

Question 5: In how many states is NAKSHA being implemented?
A) 10
B) 15
C) 26
D) 30
Correct Answer: C

Question 6: What type of data does NAKSHA produce?
A) Statistical data
B) Spatial data
C) Financial data
D) Historical data
Correct Answer: B

Question 7: What is one of the goals of NAKSHA regarding citizens?
A) To restrict access to land records
B) To provide digital access to property records
C) To centralize land ownership
D) To limit urban development
Correct Answer: B

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