Goa is set to embark on a landmark digital land survey, more than 50 years after the last exercise in 1972. The survey aims to modernize land records, issue urban property cards to owners, and ensure transparency in ownership details across the state’s municipal areas.
The initiative will first cover Panaji, Margao, and Cuncolim, including nearby surrounding areas. Officials describe it as a crucial step toward updating property records and streamlining ownership verification in urban zones.
Transitioning from manual to digital
Unlike the previous manual survey, the new exercise will be fully digital, leveraging advanced geospatial technology to accurately map plots and property details. The state has formally initiated the process through the Goa National Geospatial Knowledge-Based Land Survey of Urban Habitations Rules, 2025.
Government-owned lands in the selected areas have already been surveyed. The next phase will focus on private land, marking a significant step for property owners and residents.
Public participation at the core
A central feature of the new survey is public involvement. Before the survey begins, the government will issue a general notice inviting landowners, residents, mortgage holders, and even Non-Resident Indians with land interests to submit relevant property details.
This ensures that all measurements, ownership rights, and boundaries are accurately captured. Officials will review submissions carefully to avoid disputes and maintain a transparent process.
Draft urban property cards and verification
Following the survey, inquiry officers will examine objections and suggestions received from the public. Based on these findings, draft urban property cards will be prepared, reflecting updated property boundaries, ownership details, and rights.
Once finalized, these draft cards will be made available for public inspection at designated locations for 30 days. During this period, anyone spotting errors or discrepancies can file objections within an additional 30-day window.
If no objections are raised, the details will be confirmed and the urban property cards will be officially finalized by the authorities. This structured process is expected to reduce errors and disputes, giving property owners clear legal documentation.
Long-term benefits for Goa’s property sector
The digital survey is not just a technical exercise; it is expected to enhance urban planning, facilitate property transactions, and improve governance. Updated land records will also support infrastructure development, taxation, and legal clarity in property dealings.
By digitizing and standardizing property information, Goa aims to create a reliable system for landowners, residents, and investors, setting a model for other states to follow.
A step toward transparent land management
With this exercise, Goa moves toward a more transparent, efficient, and accountable land management system. Residents and property owners in Panaji, Margao, Cuncolim, and surrounding areas can expect clearer documentation, reduced disputes, and a modern approach to urban land governance.
The survey represents a critical modernization milestone, bridging decades of outdated records and embracing digital solutions to meet the needs of a growing urban population.
