Union government’s ‘NAKSHA’ project for urban land survey launched in Puducherry

The National Geospatial Knowledge-based Land Survey of Urban Habitations (NAKSHA), a pilot programme by the Department of Land Resources of theUnion government to digitize and update property records, was launched in Puducherry at Murungapakkam on Saturday (August 23, 2025).

According to an official, “The initiative utilises advanced technologies such as aerial mapping and drones to create highly accurate digital land records, replacing the traditional method. The project’s first phase has commenced in Murungapakkam where a drone survey was recently completed.”

The new digital maps obtained from this survey are currently being cross-referenced and compared with the existing traditional records. The results of the field survey done by a joint team of Survey, Revenue and Municipality officials would be integrated with the data for property tax maintained by the Local Administration Department.

The project aims to create and update land records in urban areas to ensure accurate and reliable documentation of land ownership. The Field Measurement Book (FMB) would be created based on the survey of lands carried out using modern tools, such as Real time Kinematics and Electronic Total Station. Further, if there were any objections in the prepared map, the concerned landowner could appeal to the authorities concerned. They would be considered and settled in accordance with law.

After conclusion of all activities, the geo-referenced field maps would be published and the land record data would be integrated with property-related data and the same would be provided to landowners. The patta details to all lands would be updated in the name of eligible landowners. The initiative will empower citizens, improve ease of living, enhance urban planning, and reduce land-related disputes, officials said.

The Department of Survey and Land Records has appealed to the public and landowners in Murungapakkam revenue village to extend cooperation to the government officials for successful implementation of the scheme.