Claim short time-frame provided for proposed land survey may unintentionally disadvantage overseas Goans; seek transparent, fair and inclusive process to ensure Goans abroad not unfairly impacted
LONDON
A number of Goans in the UK have been wary of the Goa government’s 3D based land survey using drones and electronic devices across different parts of Goa since Tuesday, which is being conducted as part of the Centre's NAKSHA (NAtional Geospatial Knowledge-based land Survey of urban HAbitations) scheme for modernising land records.
According to a notice issued by the Directorate of Settlement and Land Records (DSLR), the survey will cover “all inhabitants of the village, town/city of Panaji City, Bambolim, Cujira, Calapor, Durgawado, Taleigao, Morambi-O-Grande, Renovadi, Murda, Morambi-O-Pequeno, Margao City, Margao, Aquem, Davorlim, Navelim, Nuvem, Seraulim, Raia, Cuncolim City and Veroda.”
“All house-owners in the said village/town/city are hereby informed that they should be present on the date which will hereafter be fixed by the survey officer for the measurement of their houses and other property and should give all possible information to the survey officer to enable him to measure their properties correctly,” states the notice.
“Mortgagors, mortgagees, resident and other persons who are residing out of India and other having interest in the lands to surveyed should take steps to see that their rights are recorded correctly. For the above purpose, the surveyor with the permission of the owner or occupier may be permitted to the premises and/or properties for internal measurements where ever required.”
According to reports, residents will given an opportunity to raise objections in case discrepancies are found in the survey maps. Details of unclaimed or vacant land parcels will be forwarded to the Collector for further action under the Goa Escheats, Forfeiture and Bona Vacantia Act, 2024.
Former Mayor and sitting councillor of Swindon Council Imtiyaz Shaikh said many persons of Goan origin residing in the UK and other countries maintain ancestral homes and property in Goa.
“Due to long-standing migration, employment commitments, visa restrictions, and travel timelines, it is often not possible for them to respond or be physically present at very short notice,” said Shaikh.
“The short time-frame provided for the proposed land survey may unintentionally disadvantage overseas Goans, creating a risk that their lawful rights and interests may not be accurately recorded. This causes understandable concern among families who, despite living abroad, retain strong legal, cultural, and emotional ties to their properties in Goa.”
“We respectfully request that a more flexible and inclusive process be adopted, including adequate advance notice, recognition of authorised representatives, and remote or advance submission of documents, so that persons of Goan origin living abroad are not unfairly impacted.”
Elvis Fernandes, a social activist in Wembley, said the survey has sparked concerns among property owners and residents in affected areas of Goa.
“I feel that this survey will do more harm to the property rights of people over any benefits or updating property records,” said Fernandes.
“Developed countries like the UK had its last survey in the 19th century and the HM Land Registry is responsible for maintaining land ownership records in such a good way that there is no need to have surveys like this due to the efficient functioning of the Land Registry. These surveys are more about waste of public money and time.”
“Also, not all surveyors are trained and have the knowledge about the legal rights about ownership of land and houses. They are not lawyers who can read documents to understand who are the rightful owners. This survey will pave way for bureaucratic red-tape and potential for errors.”
Fernandes feared that influential people could easily convince surveyors to inaccurately record legal rights to property.
“This, in turn, will create disputed surveys that could create more court cases and legal issues. Even if we assume that such a survey will benefit Goans with an aim of accurately recording property details, the short notice given to property owners, particularly those residing abroad like Goans in U.K, etc, raises serious concerns about fairness and transparency,” remarked Fernandes.
“Property owners are being asked to be present during the survey, but many, especially those outside India, may not have the opportunity to participate due to lack of leave, family commitments and work commitments. This could lead to inaccuracies in recording their rights and interests.”
Fernandes has urged authorities to consider extending the notice period and provide alternative arrangements for those unable to attend in person, such as online submissions or emails to survey departments or representation through local agents.
“The survey's impact on local communities and the potential for disputes over land ownership highlight the need for a transparent process. Clear communication and accessible procedures will help build trust and ensure the survey's success. I call on the Goa government to ensure all stakeholders are adequately informed and represented, and that the process prioritises fairness and accuracy. Let's work together to protect property owners' rights and promote a fair survey process,” said Fernandes.
Pamila Rodrigues, a Goan chosen to represent the Labour Party in the Hounslow Central Ward for the May 2026 council elections, said it is unreasonable to issue such short notice to residents, especially during the Christmas and New Year period when many people are travelling or returning to work.
“Issuing a circular around January 5 or 5 and enforcing it almost immediately leaves residents unprepared and anxious. This is particularly concerning for households with elderly family members, who may be distressed by unexpected visits from government officials requesting entry to measure property. There is also no clear information on how the process will be conducted, supervised, or handled if residents are unavailable or properties are closed,” said Rodrigues.
“Residents have not been given adequate guidelines, options to reschedule, or time to make necessary arrangements. This lack of clarity and notice is unfair and creates unnecessary anxiety.”
Salvador Pereira, a social worker from Hounslow and Conservative councillor candidate for Heston Central Ward, claimed that the abrupt notice and the sudden survey at many places in Goa indicates that attempts are being made to take over properties and homes of NRIs and Portuguese passport holders settled across the world.
“This could be a ploy to eventually sell off land to non-Goans for the benefit of a few politicians, and this needs serious consideration,” said Pereira.
