The NAKSHA Program, initiated by the Government of India, aims to reform urban land surveys using advanced geospatial technologies. This scheme has been launched under the Digital India Land Records Modernisation Programme (DILRMP). It is funded entirely by the Government of India, with an estimated cost of ₹194 crore.
The Central Land Resources Department has launched the ‘Naksha’ (National Geospatial Knowledge-based Land Survey of Urban Habitations) program. Its aim is to digitize and simplify urban land records. This will bring transparency to land-related matters.
What is the NAKSHA Program?
NAKSHA stands for National Geospatial Knowledge-based Land Survey of Urban Habitations. Under the new initiative, maps of towns and cities will be prepared. This initiative aims to enhance the accuracy and transparency of urban land surveys. This makes the digital records of every district, city and village transparent and publicly available. The programme has been launched as a pilot across 152 urban local bodies in 26 states.
Benefits of NAKSHA Scheme
- Modernising urban land records for accuracy and accessibility.
- Enhancing urban planning capabilities to support smart city initiatives.
- Reducing land disputes through clear ownership documentation.
- Fostering transparency in land records via a Web-GIS-based IT system.
- Supporting sustainable urban development and governance.
Overview Nakha Scheme
| Name of the Scheme | NAKSHA Scheme |
| Launched By | Central Government of India |
| Announced By | Central Government of India |
| Purpose | Modernise land records |
| Beneficiaries | Citizens of India |
| Target Beneficiaries | Citizens of India living in Madhya Pradesh |
| Advantage | updated land records |
| Eligibility Criteria | Parmane residence of Madhya Pradesh |
| Required Documents | Aadhaar Card, Bank Account |
| Application Process | Online |
How Will the NAKSHA Program Work?
Land surveys are being conducted under the NAKSHA Program. This survey will be conducted using various methods, which we will explain here.
Drone-Based Surveys: Utilising drones for high-precision aerial mapping enhances survey accuracy.
Web-GIS Platform: An integrated IT system manages land records digitally, making them more accessible.
Public Access: Citizens can easily access digital land records, promoting transparency and reducing bureaucratic hurdles.
Training in surveying will also be provided as part of the Naksha Programme. The government has selected five Centres of Excellence (CoEs) across India for this purpose.
The Maps program marks India’s next step toward a “Smart Land Management System.” In the future, it will be integrated with Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) technologies, which will provide land-related information and predict environmental changes.