National Geospatial Knowledge-based Land Survey of Urban Habitations (NAKSHA)

The National Geospatial Knowledge-based Land Survey of Urban Habitations (NAKSHA) is a pioneering initiative launched by the Government of India. The programme aims to create and update land records in urban areas, ensuring accurate documentation of land ownership. This initiative marks step towards modernising land administration and enhancing urban planning.

About NAKSHA

NAKSHA is designed to improve land record management in urban local bodies (ULBs) across 26 states and 3 union territories. The programme will leverage geospatial technology to facilitate the collection and maintenance of land records. It aims to empower citizens by providing reliable information on land ownership and reducing disputes related to land.

Objectives and Benefits

The primary objective of NAKSHA is to ensure transparency and efficiency in land record administration. The initiative will enhance the ease of living for citizens by providing accurate land data. Moreover, it will support sustainable urban development by improving planning processes and resource allocation.

Technical Aspects

The Survey of India serves as the technical partner for the NAKSHA programme. It will conduct aerial surveys and provide orthorectified imagery to state and union territory governments. The Madhya Pradesh State Electronic Development Corporation (MPSEDC) is tasked with developing the end-to-end web-GIS platform. Additionally, the National Informatics Centre Services Inc. (NICSI) will provide necessary storage facilities for the data collected.

Implementation and Funding

The NAKSHA pilot programme is set to be conducted in 152 urban local bodies. The total estimated cost for this initiative is approximately ₹194 crore, fully funded by the Government of India. The project will involve field surveys and ground truthing by state and union territory governments using the provided imagery, leading to the final publication of urban land records.

Significance of the Launch Event

The launch event will feature various activities including the flying of drones and the release of a Standard Operating Procedure booklet. The event aims to raise awareness about the NAKSHA programme and its potential impact on urban governance. The screening of a Watershed Anthem and related videos will further highlight the importance of sustainable development in urban areas.

Future Prospects

The successful implementation of NAKSHA could set a precedent for similar initiatives across the country. It has the potential to transform land record management and contribute to the overall development of urban infrastructure. By encouraging transparency and reducing disputes, NAKSHA can improve urban living conditions.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Discuss the role of geospatial technology in urban planning and land management.
2. Critically examine the impact of accurate land records on socio-economic development in urban areas.
3. Explain the significance of public-private partnerships in the implementation of government initiatives like NAKSHA.
4. What are the challenges faced in the digitisation of land records? Discuss with suitable examples.

Answer Hints:

1. Discuss the role of geospatial technology in urban planning and land management.

1. Geospatial technology enables precise mapping and analysis of urban areas, aiding in effective land use planning.
2. It supports data-driven decision-making by providing visual vital information about land ownership and usage patterns.
3. Facilitates real-time monitoring of urban developments and infrastructure projects through aerial surveys and satellite imagery.
4. Enhances public participation by making land data accessible and understandable to citizens.
5. Promotes sustainable urban development by identifying environmental impacts and optimizing resource allocation.

2. Critically examine the impact of accurate land records on socio-economic development in urban areas.

1. Accurate land records reduce disputes, facilitating smoother property transactions and enhancing investment confidence.
2. They empower citizens with clear ownership rights, leading to improved access to credit and financial services.
3. Reliable land data supports urban planning and infrastructure development, promoting economic growth.
4. Accurate records improve tax collection efficiency, increasing government revenue for public services.
5. They encourage social equity by ensuring transparency in land allocation and preventing illegal encroachments.

3. Explain the significance of public-private partnerships in the implementation of government initiatives like NAKSHA.

1. Public-private partnerships (PPPs) leverage expertise and resources from the private sector to enhance project efficiency.
2. They encourage innovation in technology application, such as using advanced geospatial tools for land surveys.
3. PPPs can ensure better financial management and cost-sharing, alleviating the burden on government budgets.
4. They enhance accountability and transparency through collaborative governance models.
5. Such partnerships can lead to improved service delivery by combining governmental oversight with private sector agility.

4. What are the challenges faced in the digitisation of land records? Discuss with suitable examples.

1. Data accuracy issues arise from outdated or incomplete records, complicating the digitisation process.
2. Resistance from local stakeholders, such as landowners and officials, can hinder adoption and implementation.
3. Technical challenges include the need for robust IT infrastructure and cybersecurity measures to protect sensitive data.
4. Financial constraints may limit the scope and scale of digitisation projects, particularly in rural areas.
5. Examples include the slow progress in states with high land dispute rates, where digitisation efforts face legal and bureaucratic hurdles.