PANAJI: Over 50 years since the last land survey, the state government has announced a new initiative to update land records. This survey aims to identify unoccupied plots and unclaimed land parcels.
The state will commence the surveys in urban locations, as the last one was carried out back in 1972. The Goa Geospatial Knowledge Based Land Survey of Urban Habitations Rules, 2025 has been drafted, allowing public feedback before finalization and implementation.
“The directorate of land and records will issue a general notice to inform residents when a land survey is ordered in any village, town, or city. Homeowners, mortgagees, expatriates, and others with interest in the lands must provide necessary information to the survey officers to ensure accurate measurement and recording of their land rights,” stated Vrushika Kauthankar, under secretary (revenue-I).
An officer at the rank of inspector or higher will oversee the survey operations. “The survey officer will be supported by staff from the land survey department, revenue department, directorate of panchayats, urban development department, and municipal councils to facilitate the survey process,” Kauthankar explained.
The operations will be documented in the UP-ULPOR (Urban Peri Urban Land Property Ownership Records), as prescribed by the director. Data collected will also be logged through the web GIS Portal of MPSEDC (Madhya Pradesh State Electronic Development Corporation) into the UP-ULPOR,” the under secretary added.
The compiled data will then be sent to an inquiry officer who must be at least an inspector. This officer will assess each land parcel surveyed to determine the rightful title holders, including issues related to encroachments, easements, or licenses, as well as land that belongs to local authorities or the government.
“The inquiry officer will draft the UP-ULPOR and make it public in urban and peri-urban areas, allowing 30 days for suggestions or objections through a public notice,” Kauthankar noted.
The inquiry officer will then provide the collector with a list of unoccupied plots and unclaimed land parcels. Following that, the collector will take action in accordance with the Goa Escheats, Forfeiture and Bona Vacantia Act, 2024.
