National Geospatial Knowledge-based Land Survey of Urban Habitations

The National Geospatial Knowledge-based Land Survey of Urban Habitations (NAKSHA) was launched on February 18, 2025, by Union Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan in Raisen, Madhya Pradesh. This initiative aims to modernise urban land records across India. It is part of the Digital India Land Records Modernization Programme (DILRMP) and is spearheaded by the Department of Land Resources (DoLR).

What Is NAKSHA?

• NAKSHA is a city survey initiative aimed at creating accurate geospatial databases for urban land records.
• The initiative targets urban local bodies with an area of less than 35 square kilometres and a population below 200,000.
• The pilot phase will involve 152 urban local bodies across 26 states and is expected to complete within a year.

Need for NAKSHA

Urban areas in India often have outdated land records. While rural land records have seen improvements, many cities lack proper mapping. This inefficiency hampers governance and taxation. The initiative was brought into light in the Union Budget, emphasising the need for digitisation and GIS mapping of urban land records.

Components of NAKSHA

The NAKSHA programme will digitise urban land records using advanced technology. It will establish an IT-based system for property record administration, updating, and tax management. This will improve the financial position of urban local bodies and streamline property transactions.

Survey Methodology

The survey will be conducted using aerial photography with drones equipped with simple and oblique angle cameras featuring LiDAR sensors. The resolution of these cameras is higher than that of existing satellites, allowing for detailed mapping. The survey will follow a three-stage process – planning, ground verification, and final mapping.

Expected Outcomes

Once implemented, NAKSHA is expected to provide comprehensive digital urban land records. It aims to reduce land disputes, enhance urban planning efficiency, improve property tax collection, simplify transactions, and facilitate access to credit. The pilot project is centrally funded, with an estimated cost of ₹194 crore.

Future Plans for NAKSHA

Upon successful completion of the pilot, the government plans to scale up NAKSHA to cover 4,912 urban local bodies across the country. The initiative aims to create a robust geospatial infrastructure for better urban planning and governance.

Impact on Urban Development

NAKSHA is poised to impact urban development in India. By providing accurate data, it will enhance decision-making processes and promote efficient land use. This initiative aligns with broader urban sector reforms aimed at improving governance and municipal services.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Examine the significance of accurate land records in urban governance.
2. Discuss the role of technology in modernising urban land administration.
3. What are the challenges in implementing the NAKSHA initiative? How can they be addressed?
4. Critically discuss the impact of urbanisation on land use planning in India.

Answer Hints:

1. Examine the significance of accurate land records in urban governance.

1. Accurate land records enhance property ownership clarity and reduce disputes.
2. They facilitate efficient tax collection and improve local government revenues.
3. Accurate data aids in urban planning and infrastructure development.
4. They support transparent governance and help in policy formulation.
5. Reliable records enable better disaster management and land use regulation.

2. Discuss the role of technology in modernising urban land administration.

1. Technology enables the digitisation of land records, improving accessibility and management.
2. GIS mapping provides accurate spatial data for informed decision-making.
3. Advanced aerial photography enhances survey precision compared to traditional methods.
4. IT systems streamline property record administration and tax management.
5. Technology encourages transparency and accountability in land transactions.

3. What are the challenges in implementing the NAKSHA initiative? How can they be addressed?

1. Challenges include resistance to change from local authorities and stakeholders.
2. Data privacy concerns may arise with digitisation and sharing of land records.
3. Technical issues related to the accuracy of aerial surveys and mapping may occur.
4. Funding and resource allocation must be effectively managed for sustainability.
5. Addressing these challenges requires stakeholder engagement, training, and robust data protection measures.

4. Critically discuss the impact of urbanisation on land use planning in India.

1. Urbanisation increases demand for housing, leading to pressure on land resources.
2. It often results in informal settlements, complicating land use planning.
3. Rapid urban growth can strain infrastructure and public services, necessitating better planning.
4. Urbanisation can lead to environmental degradation if not managed sustainably.
5. Effective land use planning is crucial for balanced urban development and sustainability.