The state of Maharashtra is about to start using GIS (Geographic Information System) maps for property sales deed documents as of next October, which will substitute the old practice of giving the details of a plot's boundary by directions, landmarks and properties surrounding it. This proposed system change is meant to make real estate deals more transparent, digitally verifiable and easily traceable.
The new system will be rolled out first in a handful of districts and at a later stage will be implemented in the entire state. The Land Records Department has drafted a proposal to the state government for the measurement of the land area for 10 districts before the registration of the property is carried out.
This program is a part of larger endeavors to enhance the usage of modern technologies in land records and property registration. By associating property deals with the map locations authorities hope to establish a precise reference system for the plots and their boundaries.
GIS Maps to Show Precise Property Location
Under the proposed system, properties mentioned in sale deeds will be linked to their precise locations on digital maps. Instead of relying mainly on written descriptions stating the boundaries on the east, west, north and south sides, the GIS-based process will provide a digital representation of the property.
Presently, property records still mostly rely on the adjacent survey numbers, roads, buildings, landmarks and neighboring properties to describe a parcel of land. Although the inclusion of such details is still a standard feature of the registration system, it can sometimes be a problem if the dividing lines are not clear or there are overlapping claims in the records.
A GIS-linked sale deed could provide an additional geographical reference for the property. The digital map would enable authorities to connect the transaction with a specific location and corresponding land information.
Officials have indicated that the integration could help improve verification during property transactions. It could also assist in identifying discrepancies between property records and the physical location of land.
Land Measurement Proposed Before Registration
According to the proposal, the Department of Land Records suggests using the "Mojini" tool, an equipment-based measuring technology, at the early registration stage. Such use is to be introduced first in the 10 districts and will require the prior approval of the state government.
After obtaining permission, state officials would create a standard working policy for the operation of this system. The land measurement part will become a significant step in getting the correct geographical details to be available before any property deal is legally recorded.
The proposed framework will also integrate K-Prat, the digital land measurement system, with the registration department. The integration of the two departments and their digital platforms is expected to be carried out before the new process becomes operational in the selected districts.
This approach could allow information collected during land measurement to be connected directly with registration records. As a result, property documents could have a stronger digital link with the corresponding parcel of land.
Use of Satellite Imagery
High-resolution satellite imagery is expected to be used during the initial stage of the programme. The imagery would provide geographical information while detailed ground-level resurvey and mapping are completed.
The use of satellite-based information could help authorities map larger areas and establish a digital reference for properties before comprehensive field surveys are completed. Ground-level measurements would subsequently provide additional information required for more detailed mapping.
The combination of satellite imagery, land measurement and registration data is expected to create a more integrated approach to property identification.
Integration of Land and Building Data
The proposed GIS-linked registration framework is expected to combine information from multiple government agencies. This could include land ownership records, building footprints and other property-related information.
Integrating these datasets would allow property information to be connected with its geographical location. Such integration could also make it easier for authorities to identify cases where property boundaries overlap or where information in different records does not correspond.
For property owners and prospective buyers, the availability of geographically linked records could provide an additional reference when checking a property. It may also make future transactions easier by providing digital information that can be accessed and verified through the relevant government systems.
The Centre has been working with states on the implementation of technology-based land registration processes and has sought inputs from the GIS industry. States have also been asked to develop the technological infrastructure and capabilities required for such systems.
Lowering Property Dispute Rates Possibility
Authorities expressed the opinion that GIS-linked sale deeds can improve property recognition, decrease boundary disputes, and make property transactions more transparent. Through this technology overlapping claims can also be detected and inconsistency between different sets of the land records can be found.
Disputes over property happen from vague boundaries, separated records, and variance between paper documents and actual land plots. A property map that has been made with the help of technologies digitally could be an extra help in investigating such matters.
This system might also work as a disincentive for fraudulent deeds since the geographical facts of the deed can not easily be shown to be false or contradictory. Records that are digitally connected could enable the verification of transaction details with existing land information by the officials.
Part of Wider Registration Reforms
The GIS-linked sale deed initiative is expected to complement other reforms in property registration and land records. These include Aadhaar-linked registration, mandatory prior land measurement in applicable cases and the establishment of model stamp duty offices.
Together, these measures are intended to increase the use of digital processes in property transactions and improve the verification of ownership and land information.
For property buyers and sellers, the proposed system could change how land parcels are identified in official documents. Instead of depending primarily on written boundary descriptions, transactions would increasingly rely on digitally mapped property information. The initial rollout in 10 districts will provide Maharashtra with an opportunity to assess the integration of land measurement, GIS mapping and property registration before the system is expanded to other parts of the state.
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