NEW DELHI: In a bid to digitize land records and enhance accountability, the Delhi government has introduced Bhu Aadhaar. Under this initiative, each land parcel in the city will receive a 14-digit Unique Land Parcel Identification Number (ULPIN), essentially creating a digital ‘Aadhaar’ for property ownership.
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced the initiative on Sunday, stating that protecting property rights is its primary focus. “‘Bhu Aadhaar’ is more than just a number; it serves as a robust digital tool against corruption and land disputes. Many families invest their lifetime savings in land but often face legal challenges due to unclear records,” Gupta remarked, emphasizing that this initiative will improve transparency and minimize disputes.
Gupta mentioned the long-standing necessity for this system in Delhi. Although the Central Government introduced the scheme nationwide in 2016 through its ministries of rural development and land resources, it had not been implemented in Delhi for various reasons. It is now being addressed in a mission mode.
A pilot project has already been conducted in Tilangpur Kotla village in West Delhi, where 274 ULPIN records were generated. This exercise validated the technological framework and data accuracy before expanding citywide, according to a government official.
Each land parcel will be assigned a permanent unique alphanumeric identity based on its exact longitude and latitude. By linking textual land records with geo-referenced maps, the system allows for precise verification of property ownership, plot size, and location. It aims to streamline property transactions, reduce the risk of fraud and multiple registrations, and resolve longstanding boundary conflicts.
The system is already operational in 29 states and Union Territories, including Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu.
This reform promises citizens greater clarity and convenience. Rather than relying on multiple documents to establish title, a single ULPIN will offer comprehensive digital details of a property. It is also expected to facilitate fair property taxation, expedite loan approvals, and enhance disaster planning through accurate land ownership mapping. Additionally, it will help identify beneficiaries for schemes based on landholdings and support the creation of organized land banks.
The responsibility for implementation has been assigned to the IT branch of the revenue department, with support from the Survey of India.
The project will utilize advanced geospatial technology. “Each parcel will be geo-referenced to enable seamless coordination of land data across departments. Approximately two terabytes of high-resolution geospatial data, including drone-based images, are being utilized to create an accurate digital land map of the city,” the official stated.
