Thu Jun 26 16:06:52 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

Manoj Joshi, Secretary of the Department of Land Resources, praised Kerala’s pioneering digital land survey efforts, particularly its use of new technologies like ETS and DGPS and its integration of the registration system and land records in pilot villages. He urged Kerala to complete the survey of remaining villages in one go to avoid risks associated with government changes and offered central government funding. He also mentioned a new program to survey 20% of the country’s agricultural land and ongoing pilots in Tamil Nadu and discussions with Chandigarh for integrated land management systems, similar to those in some European countries.

**News Article:**

**Kerala Lauded for Pioneering Digital Land Survey, Encouraged to Accelerate Completion**

**Thiruvananthapuram, June 26, 2025** – The Indian government has praised Kerala for its advanced approach to digital land surveys, highlighting the state’s use of cutting-edge technology and integration of land records with registration systems. Speaking at the Bhoomi national conclave on digital land surveys, Manoj Joshi, Secretary of the Department of Land Resources, commended Kerala for its pilot programs that have successfully integrated registration and land records in select villages, streamlining the process and preventing delays.

“Kerala’s model is unique,” Joshi stated, noting the state’s completion of surveys in around 20% of its villages using 100% new technology such as ETS (electronic total station) and DGPS (Differential Global Positioning System). The integrated system ensures maps remain updated.

Joshi urged the Kerala government to accelerate the survey of its remaining villages, rather than phasing the project, to mitigate potential disruptions from political or administrative changes. He assured that the Union government would provide the necessary funding to support the endeavor.

Looking ahead, Joshi announced a new national initiative to conduct fresh surveys on 20% of the country’s agricultural land, mirroring the NAKSHA system used in urban areas. He also mentioned pilot programs in Tamil Nadu and discussions with Chandigarh to implement integrated land management systems, similar to those found in Europe, that combine registration, building records, and land records into a single, cohesive database.

Kunal Satyarthi, Joint Secretary of the Department of Land Resources, and Thomas Harring, group executive vice president of Hexagon AB, also participated in the conclave. The government hopes that the success of Kerala’s approach can serve as a model for other states in modernizing their land management systems and improving efficiency and transparency.

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