Despite the Telangana Bhu Bharati (Record of Rights in Land) Act, 2024 being enacted to address issues caused by the previous Dharani portal, the crucial re-survey of lands throughout the state has not yet commenced. This vital step is necessary to prevent future disputes and to issue permanent Bhudaar cards, solidifying rightful land ownership for residents.
The Bhu Bharati Act specifically mandates a thorough survey to establish clear land ownership records once it becomes active. It states that following the Act’s implementation in any region, a ‘Record of Rights’ for all village lands must be regularly updated and maintained by the designated Recording Authority, adhering to prescribed guidelines.
Furthermore, the Act requires that any re-survey or fresh survey conducted under existing laws, such as the Telangana Survey and Boundaries Act, 1923, or the Telangana Land Revenue Act, 1317 Fasli, must lead to corresponding updates in the village’s Record of Rights. Interestingly, the previous BRS government had begun a land survey, but it was halted due to various land-related complications.
A comprehensive digital survey of both agricultural and other properties would substantially increase their value by providing each with a unique permanent Bhudaar (property) card. According to land laws expert M. Sunil Kumar, this digital undertaking would cost approximately ₹568 crore. He suggests that the state could seek financial aid from the Central government, noting that while the Centre previously released ₹83 crore for such activities, Telangana has yet to provide the necessary utilization certificates.
Initiatives like the Central government’s SVAMITVA (Survey of Villages Abadi and Mapping with Improvised Technology in Village Areas) and the Digital India Land Record Modernisation Programme could offer significant support, providing 80% and 100% funding respectively for these efforts. This matter is particularly critical given that other states have already begun similar survey processes. Karnataka, for example, adopted an ‘incremental survey’ approach, updating records each time a land transaction occurs. Gujarat outsourced its land survey to private agencies, overseen by local elected representatives. Even neighboring Andhra Pradesh initiated a re-survey some years back, though that effort also stalled due to unforeseen issues.
“Without a digital survey and geo-tagging of lands, various forms of disputes are bound to persist,” emphasized Mr. Sunil Kumar in an interview with The Hindu. He added, “Successful execution of this survey will require unwavering political commitment and a highly capable team.”