India is on the cusp of a major transformation in how property is registered and documented. The decades-old practice of describing land plots using vague cardinal directions and nearby landmarks is set to be replaced by precise, digital Geographic Information System (GIS) maps. This initiative, spearheaded by the central land records department, aims to link every property transaction to a accurately mapped land parcel, bringing unprecedented clarity and reducing legal disputes.
The End of Ambiguous Boundaries
Currently, property title deeds across the country rely on descriptive boundaries, mentioning directions like 'east' or 'west' and referencing adjacent survey numbers, roads, or buildings. This system lacks a connection to any spatial database, often leading to ambiguities and conflicts. The new GIS-based system will ensure that the exact location and footprint of a property are digitally recorded and visually represented.
Manoj Joshi, Secretary of the Department of Land Resources, confirmed to TOI that discussions are underway with all state governments, including Maharashtra, for a nationwide rollout. "Ultimately, every transaction must be visible on the GIS," Joshi stated, adding that the full implementation across India is expected to take approximately two years.
Building the Digital Infrastructure
The transition to a GIS-powered framework requires significant groundwork. The Centre must create necessary legal provisions and develop a robust, GIS-enabled software platform for registration. States will then implement this modern platform, which will integrate layers of data including land ownership details, building footprints, and information from various agencies.
During the initial phase, high-resolution satellite imagery with an accuracy of at least 30 centimetres will support the systems until fresh, detailed ground-level surveys are completed. Joshi highlighted that the Centre has sought active guidance from the GIS industry to assist governments through this technological transition.
Challenges and State-Level Push
Joshi acknowledged that no state is fully adept with the required technology yet, and all will need to build capacity. A key challenge identified is the delay in procuring modern survey equipment like rovers. The Centre has urged states to streamline procurement, noting that investing in such technology is more cost-effective than maintaining large traditional survey teams.
Maharashtra has shown particular interest in this reform. In 2023, the state government proposed attaching maps to title deeds instead of directional descriptions and formed a committee that submitted recommendations. However, 2024 being an election year saw little progress on implementation. State revenue officials believe the Centre's directive will now accelerate the shift, significantly reducing boundary ambiguities once sale deeds are tied to GIS maps.
Emphasizing the critical nature of this upgrade, Joshi pointed out that land and property transactions form a substantial share of India's economic activity. Therefore, having reliable and precise documentation is paramount. All state revenue departments have been instructed to prioritize systems that enable citizens to transact securely and efficiently, marking a decisive move towards a transparent and modern property ecosystem.
