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Picture Courtesy:  PIB

Context

The Department of Land Resources (DoLR) in collaboration with the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA), organised a  Workshop on the NAKSHA Programme for District Magistrates and Collectors.

What is the NAKSHA Programme?
NAKSHA, which stands for "National Geospatial Knowledge-based Land Survey of Urban Habitations," is launched under the Digital India Land Records Modernization Programme (DILRMP). 

It was launched in 2024 to digitize and update urban land records using advanced geospatial technology, creating accurate, and transparent databases to resolve issues arising from outdated records.

The Ministry of Rural Development's Department of Land Resources is the nodal agency for its implementation.

What are the Key Features of the NAKSHA Programme?
Key Technologies:

• Geospatial Mapping: Integrates high-resolution satellite imagery with ground surveys.
• Drone-Based Surveys: Employs drones with LiDAR sensors and high-resolution cameras for precise, tamper-proof 3D property records.
• GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) Integration: Provides real-time, location-based accuracy for land parcels.
• Web-GIS Platform: An IT-based platform for efficient management, real-time data access, and updates.
• AI-Driven Analytics: Uses AI for classifying disputed, encroached, or illegal land parcels, supporting proactive administration.
• Secure Data Storage: National Informatics Centre Services Inc. (NICSI) provides secure storage for critical land information.

Three-Stage Survey Process:

1. Drone Survey & Data Collection: Drones capture images and extract data for mapping.
2. Field Survey & Data Verification: Ground verification of property tax, ownership, and registration records, leading to 2D/3D models and draft land ownership details.
3. Public Review & Finalization: A grievance redressal mechanism reviews claims and objections before final map publication, to ensure accuracy and public participation.

Significance of the NAKSHA Programme 

Outdated Land Records

Most urban areas suffer from outdated or unorganized land records, leading to governance and taxation inefficiencies.=

High Volume of Land Disputes

Land and property disputes account for over 66% of civil litigation, largely due to the absence of digitized, tamper-proof land maps. (Source: PIB)

Revenue Losses for Urban Local Bodies (ULBs)

Poor land records lead to revenue loss for Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) due to inaccurate property tax assessment and collection. 

The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report showed that urban local bodies (ULBs) nationwide face challenges in financial management, generate a mere 32% of their revenue from internal sources.

Hindrance to Urban Planning

Reliable geospatial data is crucial for urban development, infrastructure, and smart cities; its absence causes project delays and increased costs.

Prevention of Fraud

Poor land documentation fuels fraud, corruption, and tax evasion, eroding public trust in urban land management.

Broader Implications of NAKSHA Programme

Digital India Land Records Modernization Programme (DILRMP)

NAKSHA extends DILRMP's focus on rural land records to urban areas, working towards a unified national land record system ("One Nation, One Land Record").

PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan

By providing geospatial infrastructure and data, NAKSHA supports integrated infrastructure planning, leading to better project design and optimized resource allocation.

National Geospatial Policy (2022)

NAKSHA directly contributes to the policy's goal of harnessing the economic potential of geospatial data across various sectors.

National Data Governance Framework Policy (NDGFP)

As a data-intensive program, NAKSHA operates within the NDGFP's guidelines for data management, security, and sharing, ensuring privacy, trust, and ethical use of non-personal data.

Smart Cities Mission

NAKSHA provides the essential accurate and real-time land data needed for effective development and management of smart cities. 

Way Forward for NAKSHA Programme

Robust Capacity Building

Invest in continuous training on geospatial tech, data management, and legal aspects for staff. Share best practices from states like Kerala, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh.

Standardisation and Interoperability

Common data standards and protocols are essential for all urban land records. A seamless data exchange framework between NAKSHA, PM Gati Shakti, SVAMITVA, and other government platforms should be a priority.

Technological Upgradation

Regularly update the Web-GIS platform, integrating new AI and drone technology for better accuracy and efficiency.

Public Engagement and Grievance Redressal

Launch awareness campaigns for NAKSHA's benefits and encourage citizen participation in verifying draft land records. Establish efficient grievance redressal.

Legal and Administrative Reforms

Streamline land laws and administrative procedures to create a more efficient digital framework. 

Conclusion
The NAKSHA Programme aims to transform urban land governance through geospatial technologies and administrative readiness, ensuring transparent, efficient, and citizen-centric public service delivery, thus strengthening Digital India.

Source: PIB