PANAJI
As part of the Centre’s NAKSHA scheme for modernising land records, the Goa government has begun a 3D-based land survey using drones and electronic devices across municipal areas of Panaji, Margao and Cuncolim from Tuesday.
According to a notice issued by the Directorate of Settlement and Land Records (DSLR), the survey will cover Panaji city and surrounding areas such as Bambolim, Cujira, Calapor, Durgawadi, Taleigao, Morambi-O-Grande, Renovadi, Murda and Morambi-O-Pequeno. In South Goa, the survey will extend to Margao city, Aquem, Davorlim, Navelim, Nuvem, Seraulim and Raia, while in Salcete it will include Cuncolim city, Veroda and Ambelim.
The survey is being conducted under The Goa (National Geospatial Knowledge-Based) Land Survey of Urban Habitations Rules, 2025. Officials said the department has already completed the survey of government land and has now begun mapping private, public and other categories of land.
The DSLR has appealed to house owners to remain present on the dates fixed by survey officers for measurement of houses and properties, and to provide necessary documents and information to ensure accurate recording. The notice also states that mortgagors, mortgagees, non-resident owners and others having an interest in land must ensure their rights are correctly recorded. Survey officers may enter premises for internal measurements wherever required, with the consent of the owner or occupier.
Residents will be 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.
A senior official said the NAKSHA project”National Geospatial Knowledge-Based Land Survey of Urban Habitations”aims to modernise urban land surveys using advanced GIS technology. The project employs drone-based surveys, Electronic Total Station (ETS) and Differential Global Positioning System (DGPS) to create accurate and updated land records.
Survey data will be recorded in the Urban and Peri-Urban Land Property Ownership Records (UP-ULPOR) system and integrated through a web GIS portal. Once compiled, the data will be verified by an Inquiry Officer, not below the rank of Inspector, who will examine ownership rights, encroachments, easements and government or local body holdings.
A draft UP-ULPOR will then be published for public scrutiny, allowing 30 days for suggestions and objections. Final corrections will be made after inquiries under the Land Revenue Code or based on court decisions.
