India is set for a major transformation in the way urban properties are registered. The Centre is preparing to issue guidelines to states that will replace the long-practised method of attaching rough, hand-drawn sketch maps to property deeds with accurate GIS-based latitude–longitude coordinates. The goal: ensure every property transaction is tied to a precisely mapped land parcel.

“Every transaction must ultimately be visible on GIS,” said Manoj Joshi, Secretary, Department of Land Records, on Wednesday.

Speaking at the National Symposium on NAKSHA (National Geospatial Knowledge-based Land Survey of Urban Habitations), Joshi explained that the current registration system operates like a “black box’’ — digital documents move through the system, yet remain disconnected from any spatial database. Integrating registrations with GIS will not only boost transparency but also reduce disputes, improve traceability, and standardise the recording of property boundaries, he said.

Documentation Gaps Remain a Major Challenge

Joshi highlighted a deeper issue: a large portion of urban residents still lack valid ownership documents. Even in well-governed states such as Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, nearly 50% of surveyed property owners do not hold fully admissible documents such as registered sale deeds, inheritance records, or entries in the Record of Rights.

In unauthorised colonies across major cities, the situation is more complex. Since these areas lack approved layouts, residents struggle with weak or unusable ownership documents, making property registrations impossible.

NAKSHA Programme: A Push for Digitised Urban Land Records

The NAKSHA initiative, first announced in the Union Budget 2024–25, aims to modernise urban land records through GIS mapping and IT-based property administration. The programme is currently in its second phase, covering 157 small urban centres with an area of less than 35 sq km and a population below two lakh.

Technology Adoption Still Slow in Many States

Joshi also noted that many states face delays in procuring essential survey equipment such as GNSS rovers. He stressed that investing in modern equipment is far more cost-effective than maintaining large survey teams, and urged states to adopt faster and more streamlined procurement processes. While the Centre will continue to provide financial assistance, he said, technology adoption must accelerate.

Need for a Modern, Unified Software Ecosystem

India’s current software ecosystem for land surveys and record management remains fragmented. Many states still rely on outdated NIC systems or patchwork solutions built on a mix of proprietary and open-source tools. According to Joshi, government departments must evolve toward a layered, modern GIS platform that integrates ownership, building, and agency-level data — backed initially by satellite maps offering 30 cm accuracy until new resurvey data becomes available.

He also urged the GIS industry to play a more active role in guiding government initiatives. While officials often work with only “half or quarter knowledge,” he noted that private players also hesitate to go beyond limited commercial priorities.

Accurate Land Data Is Critical for India’s Growth

Land and property transactions form a significant part of India’s economic activities. Joshi stressed that accurate documentation and transparent systems are essential for a safe, efficient, and citizen-centric property market. Revenue departments, he said, must shift focus from court cases and government land disputes toward enabling smoother property transactions for citizens.

Why This Decision Is Highly Beneficial for India

The Centre’s push to adopt GIS-based property registration marks one of the most forward-thinking reforms in India’s land governance history. This decision is being widely appreciated because it solves several long-standing challenges that have slowed down property transactions and created uncertainty for citizens.

1. Eliminates Inaccurate Sketch Maps

For decades, property boundaries were recorded using hand-drawn sketches that often lacked precision. Replacing them with GIS-based latitude–longitude coordinates ensures pin-point accuracy, reducing errors and confusion.

2. Boosts Transparency & Trust

By linking every property transaction to a mapped parcel, land records become transparent and verifiable. Citizens gain greater confidence in the system, and government departments can handle disputes more efficiently.

3. Reduces Boundary Disputes Significantly

Unclear maps are a major cause of property disputes in India. GIS-based mapping offers standardized boundaries, drastically lowering disagreements over land size, shape, and encroachments.

4. Empowers Urban Development & Planning

Accurate spatial data strengthens planning for roads, utilities, housing, and smart city initiatives. Urban local bodies can make quicker and better decisions.

5. Modernises India’s Land Governance

This decision shifts India away from outdated systems toward a modern, digital, and data-driven land administration framework. It aligns with global best practices and supports long-term economic growth.

6. Protects Citizen Rights

Clear ownership records prevent fraud, support clean transactions, and give residents—especially in densely populated urban areas—greater legal security.