National Geospatial Knowledge-Based Land Survey Initiative

The National Geospatial Knowledge-based Land Survey of Urban Habitations (NAKSHA) is programme launched by the Government of India. It aims to create and update land records in urban and semi-urban areas. The initiative was inaugurated by Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan in Madhya Pradesh. It covers 152 Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) across 26 states and three Union Territories. The programme is fully funded by the central government, with an estimated cost of ₹194 crore.

Objectives of NAKSHA

• The primary objective of NAKSHA is to ensure accurate documentation of land ownership.
• It aims to empower citizens by improving ease of living and enhancing urban planning.
• The initiative also seeks to reduce land-related disputes.
• By establishing reliable land records, it promotes transparency and efficiency in property administration.

Technological Framework

• The NAKSHA programme employs advanced technology for land surveying.
• Drones will be used to conduct aerial surveys, which will provide orthorectified imagery.
• The Survey of India serves as the technical partner, responsible for the aerial surveys.
• The Madhya Pradesh State Electronic Development Corporation (MPSEDC) will develop an end-to-end web-GIS platform for data management.

Implementation Process

The implementation of NAKSHA involves several steps. States and Union Territories will conduct field surveys and ground truthing using the provided imagery. This process will lead to the final publication of urban and semi-urban land records. The generated land records will be issued to property owners in the form of registration cards.

Benefits of NAKSHA

• NAKSHA will enhance urban planning by providing accurate data on land usage.
• The initiative will also encourage sustainable development by ensuring efficient land management.
• Furthermore, it aims to create a transparent system for property ownership, thereby reducing disputes and enhancing citizen trust.

Historical Context

• NAKSHA follows the earlier Svamitva scheme, which focused on property validation in rural areas.
• While Svamitva aimed at rural land ownership, NAKSHA extends this initiative to urban settings.
• This reflects a broader commitment by the government to modernise land record systems across India.

Month: Current Affairs - February, 2025

Category: Government Schemes Current Affairs