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Dhekiajuli: Dhekiajuli, a quaint town in Assam’s Sonitpur district, marked a milestone in urban governance on Saturday with the inauguration of NAKSHA (National Geospatial Knowledge-based Survey of Urban Habitation), a pioneering pilot programme aimed at revolutionizing land record management through cutting-edge geospatial technology. The initiative, launched by the Ministry of Rural Development, positions Assam as a key participant, with 10 of its Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) selected among 152 nationwide.
The inauguration ceremony at Trimurti Bhavan witnessed the presence of Sonitpur MP Ranjit Dutta, Co-District Commissioner Dyotiva Bora, Dhekiajuli ULB Chairperson Susmita Das, DIPRO, Tezpur officer Dinesh Chandra Das, and senior officials from the Survey Department and local administration. The yearlong survey will employ advanced geospatial tools to map urban habitats, digitize land records, and address discrepancies, laying the groundwork for efficient urban planning and reduced land disputes.
MP Ranjit Dutta, emphasized the transformative potential and said, “NAKSHA is a leap toward transparent governance. It will empower citizens, streamline property transactions, and fuel smart city missions in towns like Dhekiajuli.” Co-District Commissioner Dyotiva Bora highlighted Assam’s strategic role. “With 10 ULBs participating, Assam is at the forefront of this national initiative. This survey will enhance disaster management, infrastructure development, and equitable resource allocation.”
Assistant Director of Surveys Khitubon Konwar outlined the technical scope, “Using satellite imagery and GIS mapping, NAKSHA will create accurate, real-time land databases, reducing legal conflicts and fostering investor confidence.”
NAKSHA aligns with India’s vision of digitizing land records under the Digital India Mission. For Dhekiajuli, a town historically challenged by outdated land documentation, the programme promises to curb fraudulent transactions, simplify tax assessments, and aid in sustainable urbanization. Nationally, it sets a precedent for integrating technology into governance, with potential scalability across rural and urban regions.
The Ministry of Rural Development’s focus on geospatial technology underscores a shift toward data-driven policymaking. As one of the 10 Assam ULBs selected, Dhekiajuli’s pilot outcomes will inform replication strategies, particularly in Northeastern states where land ownership complexities persist.
The event concluded with officials expressing optimism about NAKSHA’s long-term impact. Executive Magistrate Shristi Kalita remarked, “This is not just a survey but the foundation for a smarter, more equitable urban future.” With Assam leading the charge, NAKSHA could redefine India’s approach to land governance, one pixel at a time. NAKSHA will use drones, satellite imagery, and AI to map properties. Assam’s 10 ULBs include Dibrugarh, Silchar, and Tezpur, alongside Dhekiajuli. The programme aims to reduce land-related litigation by 40% in pilot areas.
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