Many States have not carried out map-based subdivisions, or kept spatial records in sync with textual updates, making the current cadastral maps obsolete. Our experience shows that without political will and strong coordination; surveys lose momentum and remain unfinished. That is why the Government of India has resolved to take up a centrally coordinated exercise which will bring land records into the 21st century.
Land is not just a physical asset in India. It is a symbol of identity, security, and dignity. For nearly 90 percent of our citizens, land and property represent their most valuable possession. Yet, inaccurate or outdated land records have long been the root cause of widespread disputes, delays in development, and denial of justice. Our judicial statistics speak volumes — over 66% of civil cases in lower courts are related to land and property disputes. Even in the Supreme Court, a quarter of all pending disputes are land-related. Therefore this is a challenge to the very idea of inclusive development.
Our earlier surveys were conducted over 100 years ago — between 1880 and 1915 — using tools like chains and cross-staffs. In many parts of the country, especially the North-Eastern States and Union Territories, original cadastral surveys were never even completed. States that attempted surveys found that the process involved huge manpower for ground truthing, draft map publication, objection resolution, and final notification.