The Delhi government has taken a decisive step towards resolving long-standing land ownership issues in the capital's rural areas. The Revenue Department has officially notified the Delhi Survey (Abadi Deh) Rules, 2024, paving the way for a comprehensive survey of inhabited areas within village boundaries.
What is the Abadi Deh Survey and Why Does It Matter?
This initiative is central to the government's plan for the regularisation of residential properties situated in the 'Abadi Deh' (inhabited area) of Delhi's villages. The survey aims to clearly demarcate which lands within a village's limit are used for dwelling purposes. This demarcation is a critical prerequisite for granting ownership rights to residents who have been living on such land but lack formal titles.
The rules were formulated under the authority of the Delhi Land Reforms Act, 1954. Their notification on March 11, 2024, sets the legal and administrative framework for conducting the physical survey. The ultimate goal is to bring clarity and legal security to property holdings in 1,031 urbanised villages across the national capital territory.
Key Features and Implementation Process
The notified rules establish a clear procedure for how the survey will be carried out. A significant feature is the involvement of the Tehsildar (Revenue Officer) as the nodal authority for executing the survey in their jurisdiction. The process will involve detailed ground-level mapping and documentation of existing residential structures.
Following the survey, the collected data and maps will be compiled into a draft report. This draft will then be made public, inviting objections and suggestions from residents and stakeholders. This transparent approach is designed to ensure accuracy and address any disputes before the survey findings are finalised. The rules mandate that the entire process, from the start of the survey to the publication of the final report, must be completed within a strict timeframe of six months.
Implications for Residents and Urban Development
The successful implementation of the Abadi Deh survey holds profound implications. For thousands of families, it represents a path to obtaining legitimate property ownership documents (pattas) for their homes. This legal recognition can protect them from eviction threats and enable them to access formal banking and credit facilities using their property as collateral.
On a broader scale, this move is expected to streamline urban planning and development in Delhi's peripheral areas. By clearly defining residential zones within villages, it can help prevent haphazard construction and facilitate better provision of civic amenities like water, sewage, and electricity by various agencies. The survey is seen as a foundational step towards integrating these villages into the formal urban fabric of Delhi with clear property records.
The notification of these rules underscores the Delhi government's focus on addressing complex land rights issues. It marks a transition from policy announcement to actionable groundwork, with the potential to impact the socio-economic landscape of the capital's village communities significantly.
