Rs 132 Lakh Crore Rural Land Survey Finished Using Drones, PM Modi To Distribute Property Cards To 65 Lakh Landowners

The Union government has achieved a significant milestone by completing a survey of 67,000 sq km of rural land valued at Rs 132 lakh crore using drones under the SVAMITVA programme, as announced by the Panchayati Raj Department.

The initiative aims to transform rural land management and ownership by leveraging advanced drone technology, which offers an impressive accuracy of up to five centimetres. 

This comprehensive survey has already covered approximately 3.17 lakh villages, accounting for 92 per cent of the total target. By 2026, the scheme is expected to surpass its goal of surveying more than 3.44 lakh villages.

A day before Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to distribute property cards to 65 lakh landowners across 10 states, this development signifies a major step in empowering rural communities. 

The distribution event, originally scheduled for 26 December but postponed due to national mourning for former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, highlights the government’s commitment to addressing rural landownership challenges.

Launched in April 2020, the SVAMITVA programme had its first property cards distributed by PM Modi in October 2020. 

Since then, 31 States and Union Territories have joined the scheme. However, states like Telangana, Tamil Nadu, and Sikkim participated only during the pilot phase, with Telangana and Bihar opting for their independent initiatives.

The issuance of property cards under this scheme is expected to bring multifaceted benefits to rural landowners. These cards will serve as official documents for monetizing land parcels, making them admissible for bank loans, thereby unlocking financial opportunities for farmers and landholders. 

Furthermore, the initiative is expected to resolve long-standing land disputes, providing a clear demarcation of property boundaries and ownership rights.

In addition to aiding individuals, the scheme holds potential for rural development. Panchayats will gain clarity on available land, enabling them to lease parcels or build essential infrastructure such as community halls and panchayat bhawans. 

The transformative impact of SVAMITVA is anticipated to strengthen rural economies, foster transparency in land management, and provide a solid foundation for future infrastructural and financial development.