In a landmark move to modernize its land records, the Goa government is set to launch a comprehensive digital land survey this month. This initiative, the first of its kind in over five decades, aims to update outdated records and issue new Urban Property Cards (UrPro) to landowners across the state.
A Historic Update After 50 Years
The upcoming survey marks a significant technological leap from the state's first land survey, which was conducted manually back in 1972. Over 50 years later, the government will now utilize advanced digital tools to ensure accuracy and efficiency. The legal foundation for this massive exercise is provided by the recently notified Goa (National Geospatial Knowledge Based) Land Survey of Urban Habitations Rules, 2025.
The survey will be rolled out in phases, beginning in three key urban areas and their surroundings:
- The Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP)
- Margao Municipal Council
- Cuncolim Municipal Council
How the Survey and UrPro Process Will Work
As explained by Under Secretary (Revenue-I) Vrushika Kauthankar, the process begins with a general notice issued to inhabitants of the targeted villages, towns, or cities. This notice calls upon all interested parties—including house owners, mortgagees, residents, and even those living abroad—to provide necessary information to the appointed survey officers to ensure their lands are measured and rights recorded correctly.
The government has already completed the survey of government land in these areas, and the survey of private land is now set to commence. To determine the right, title, and interest of individuals, an inquiry officer will hold hearings and consider all suggestions and objections received from the public.
Public Scrutiny and Finalizing the Urban Property Card
Based on the inquiry officer's decision (or subsequent court orders if appeals are filed), a draft Urban Property Card (UrPro) will be prepared. This draft will then be made available for public inspection for 30 days at prominent locations decided by the director of the directorate of settlement and land records.
"Any person aggrieved by the details in the draft UrPro may, within a period of 30 days after expiry of the period allowed for inspection... file an objection before the inspector of surveys and land records," stated Kauthankar. Objections must be submitted on plain paper with a full address. If no objections are received within the stipulated time, the entries in the draft UrPro will be confirmed, finalizing the record.
This ambitious project promises to bring long-awaited clarity and legal security to urban land ownership in Goa, replacing a system that has remained largely unchanged since the 1970s.
