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

February 26, 2025

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. The initiative aims to modernise urban land records in India, addressing the longstanding issue of outdated mapping in many urban areas. This initiative is part of the Digital India Land Records Modernization Programme (DILRMP) and is set to be piloted across 152 urban local bodies in 26 states.

What Is NAKSHA?

NAKSHA is a comprehensive survey initiative designed to create accurate geospatial databases for urban land records. It integrates aerial and field surveys using advanced Geographic Information System (GIS) technology to improve land governance. The initiative focuses on towns with areas under 35 square kilometres and populations under 200,000. The pilot project will span one year.

Need for the Initiative

Urban areas in India have suffered from outdated land records, which hinder efficient governance and taxation. While rural land records have improved, many urban regions lack proper mapping. NAKSHA seeks to address these gaps, ensuring that urban land records are digitised and structured. This initiative was brought into light in the Union Budget of 2024 and reiterated in 2025, emphasising the need for urban sector reforms.

Objectives of NAKSHA

The primary objectives of NAKSHA include the digitisation of urban land records, reduction of land disputes, and enhancement of urban planning efficiency. By creating a digital repository, the initiative aims to streamline property transactions and improve tax collection. The project is expected to enhance the financial position of urban local bodies.

Funding and Costs

NAKSHA is fully funded by the central government, with an estimated pilot project cost of ₹194 crore. The cost of surveying varies based on the camera technology used. A basic camera survey costs approximately ₹25,000 to ₹30,000 per square kilometre, while advanced 3D camera surveys are around ₹60,000 per square kilometre.

Survey Methodology

The survey will employ aerial photography through drones equipped with various cameras, including oblique angle cameras with LiDAR sensors. The drones will capture high-resolution images, surpassing satellite imagery quality. The survey process consists of three stages – selecting areas, conducting aerial surveys, and performing ground verification.

Future Expansion

Upon successful completion of the pilot, NAKSHA is set to expand to 4,912 urban local bodies across India. The initiative aims to create a robust framework for urban land management, facilitating better decision-making and urban development.

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