Maha govt to fast-track land surveys with private surveyors

Nagpur: Maharashtra govt has approved a statewide overhaul of land survey processes by appointing trained, licensed private surveyors and agencies in every district, a move aimed at clearing mounting backlogs and accelerating development-linked clearances.The decision, cleared following a meeting with chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, was announced by revenue minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule on Sunday. He said the reform seeks to ensure "accurate, time-bound, quality and transparent" disposal of land measurement cases. A govt order outlining the operational framework has also been issued.Under the new system, land surveys will be conducted strictly as per pre-fixed schedules, with notices issued in advance by the deputy superintendent of land records. In cases of missing documents, officials will be required to record statements and submit reports. The govt has warned that any instance of corruption or criminal misconduct in the process will lead to cancellation of licences.Traditionally handled by the land records department, the survey work has been delayed due to rising applications and limited manpower. To address this, technically qualified private agencies will now be empanelled at the district level to assist in surveys.Surveyors will be mandated to use the ‘e-Measurement 2.0' software to ensure accuracy and uniformity. Each licensed surveyor will be required to complete a minimum of 20 cases per month. Final approval will rest with the deputy superintendent after digital submission of maps and documents, a step aimed at improving accountability and transparency.District-level committees headed by collectors have been constituted to oversee implementation. These panels will include technical advisers from the National Informatics Centre (NIC), principals of Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs), and district superintendents of land records. Eligibility criteria include qualifications in surveying, civil engineering, or geoinformatics, while retired survey officials with at least 10 years of service will be allowed to work up to the age of 65.Selected candidates will undergo a two-week training programme conducted by the land records department, followed by an exam. Successful candidates will receive licence valid for two years from the Land Records Training Academy in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar.Highlighting the economic impact of delays, Bawankule said, "Many works remain stalled only due to pending land measurements. Even new businesses cannot begin. This affects the state's progress." He added, "With this decision, surveys will be conducted promptly, saving time and reducing public inconvenience."