Telangana Land Surveys Delayed Months After Bhu Bharati Act Enactment

Quick Summary

• Telangana Bhu Bharati Act, 2024:

– Enacted too address problems caused by the Dharani portal.
– Mandates a comprehensive survey to ascertain land ownership and issue permanent Bhudaar cards to rightful owners.

• Survey Requirements:

– Records of Rights in all lands must be prepared and updated after surveys under applicable laws like the Telangana Survey and Boundaries Act,1923.
– The digital survey is estimated to cost ₹568 crore; ₹83 crore was released earlier by the Center but proper utilization certificates are pending.

• Potential Benefits of Re-survey:

– Enhances property value with unique identification through Bhudaar cards.- Supports dispute resolution via geo-tagging of lands.

• National Context:

– States like Karnataka, Gujarat, and Andhra Pradesh have implemented or initiated similar land surveys using incremental or private agency methods with varying degrees of success.

• Challenges Ahead:

– Conducting a digital survey demands political will, effective execution teams, and coordination with central programs like SVAMITVA for funding assistance.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The telangana Bhu Bharati Act represents an crucial step toward modernizing land records and addressing disputes that stem from outdated systems such as the Dharani portal. Establishing accurate records through re-surveys has logical merits-it could reduce legal conflicts over ownership while increasing property valuation through streamlined titles like Bhudaar cards. However, delays in implementation reflect bureaucratic challenges that require concerted effort at both state and central government levels.

Given that multiple states are grappling with similar issues (e.g., stalled re-surveys in Andhra Pradesh), Telangana’s experience could serve as a case study for refining processes nationwide. Leveraging funds offered via programs such as SVAMITVA may accelerate progress if accountability measures-such as usage tracking-are rigorously enforced. Prosperous execution will depend substantially on overcoming administrative inertia while ensuring transparency at every stage for public trust.

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