PANAJI: Despite initial resistance from some communities, the state government has successfully completed approximately 25% of the work needed to update land records and issue urban property cards (UrPro) to landowners. Concerns arose that the survey could affect certain village areas slated for municipal inclusion and might lead to the confiscation of properties owned by individuals residing abroad or those with no legal heirs.
A senior official indicated that the government aims to complete the survey by the end of February, but if it remains unfinished, they will seek additional time from the authorities.
The Goa (National Geospatial Knowledge Based) Land Survey of Urban Habitations Rules, 2025 has been established to initiate the survey.
“When a survey of lands is mandated by the government under Section 56, the director of the Directorate of Settlement and Land Records will issue a general notice to residents of the affected area. This notice will ask homeowners, mortgagees, residents, and others with interests in the land— including those abroad—to provide information to the designated survey officers, ensuring accurate measurement and recording of their rights,” stated Vrushika Kauthankar, under-secretary (revenue-I).
“To ascertain individual and organizational rights related to surveyed lands, an inquiry officer will conduct an inquiry and review any suggestions or objections,” Kauthankar explained. “Following this, a draft UrPro will be prepared based on the inquiry officer’s findings or any final orders issued in response to appeals or civil suits.”
