New Delhi, Dec 19 (UNI): In an initiative to resolve long-pending issues related to the identification, ownership and documentation ambiguities of ‘Abadi Deh’ land in Delhi’s rural areas, a comprehensive survey of Abadi Deh areas will now be conducted, records will be prepared, verification and computerisation will be undertaken.
The Delhi Government is set to implement this extensive process within a defined legal and administrative framework. This initiative will not only strengthen the land management system but will also play a decisive role in providing villagers with legal proof of ownership and financial security.
Sharing details, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta stated that for the effective implementation of the ‘Svamitva’ scheme, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on April 24, 2020 on National Panchayati Raj Day, the Delhi Government has prepared a draft of the Delhi Abadi Deh Survey and Record Management Rules, 2025. The draft clearly defines the entire operational framework, from drone-based aerial surveys and field verification to public objection procedures, dispute resolution, creation of digital records, and issuance of property cards. The objective is to ensure that no individual’s rights are infringed and that land-related disputes are resolved in a transparent, time-bound and fair manner.
As per government provisions, the Abadi Deh survey process will be conducted under the direct supervision of the Revenue Department. Survey teams and technical agencies will jointly carry out surveys in Abadi Deh areas, extended Abadi Deh areas and other notified zones using modern technologies. Digital data will be collected through drones and aerial photography, enabling accurate recording of the exact location, size and boundaries of each plot. Preliminary maps prepared through drone surveys will be physically verified on-site to ensure that the boundaries shown accurately reflect the ground reality.
Delhi CM informed that the Revenue Department has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Survey of India in April 2022 for implementing the Svamitva Scheme in 48 rural villages of Delhi. Drone surveys have been completed in 31 villages so far, and ‘Map 2.0’ for 25 villages has been verified and submitted to the Survey of India for the issuance of land parcel maps and geo-based identification numbers.
In the initial phase of the survey, the boundaries of the Abadi Deh areas will be physically demarcated using appropriate methods. During this process, survey teams will separately identify jointly owned land, private plots, roads, lanes, drains, community spaces, religious sites, graveyards, cremation grounds, government properties, and land areas that are not clearly visible in aerial surveys due to trees or structures. Wherever required, support from municipal corporations, Delhi Development Authority (DDA), other departments and the police administration will be taken to ensure smooth conduct of the survey and to prevent any tampering with boundaries.
Delhi CM stated that the government has decided to fully computerise Abadi Deh records. For this purpose, the Revenue Department will develop a dedicated digital portal through which citizens will be able to obtain copies of their land records upon payment of prescribed fees. This step will ensure record security while significantly enhancing transparency and ease of access. After completion of the survey and record management process, property cards will be issued. These cards will serve as legal proof of land or property ownership, enabling rural residents to access bank loans, financial assistance and various development schemes.
She added that this decision will also promote planned development in the Abadi Deh areas. It will support the preservation of village heritage, improvement of civic amenities, enhancement of land value and development of rural infrastructure in line with urban standards. It will also help resolve long-standing disputes related to boundaries and ownership. She also said that the initiative will not only accelerate the implementation of government schemes but will also provide citizens with clarity and security regarding their rights.
From drone technology to digital records, Delhi government to launch ‘Abadi Deh Survey’
