Rover-based land mapping project stuck, 300 GPS devices lie unused

The Haryana Government’s ambitious plan to modernise land records with advanced rover-based technology is yet to take off, even though nearly 300 GPS-enabled rovers, purchased in 2023 at a cost of around Rs 10 lakh each, lie unused at tehsil and sub-tehsil offices.

The initiative, part of the Haryana Large Scale Mapping Programme, was meant to replace centuries-old manual methods of land demarcation such as chain or tape measurements — techniques dating back to Raja Todar Mal’s time — that often led to inaccuracies and land disputes.

Officials cite two major hurdles behind the delay: the non-updation of tatima (partition) records and the non-finalisation of fees for rover-based mapping. “There are three components — CORS, rovers, and operational data. The government has established 19 Continuously Operating Reference Stations (CORS) and procured 300 rovers. But since the basic tatima data is still pending, these rovers are not being used,” said a Revenue Department official.

So far, data for nearly 18 lakh tatimas remains incomplete across Haryana. Despite this, authorities insist the project is in its final stage and will roll out by the end of October.

Equipped with high-precision GPS technology, the rovers are designed to work in sync with the CORS network, ensuring unmatched accuracy, transparency, and efficiency in land records.

“When a surveyor places a rover on land, its exact latitude and longitude are marked, ensuring precision,” said Dr Yashpal Yadav, Director of Land Records, Revenue Department. “At present, the process involves tedious groundwork like survey stones and chain or tape measurements. The new system will make land management paperless and seamless. A mobile app is also being developed for real-time data access.”

A standard operating procedure (SOP) has already been issued, mandating that all future land partitions and updates be carried out only with rovers.

Officials said two training programmes for field staff have been held with the help of the Survey of India, and a request for additional sessions has been raised.

“The rates of each demarcation using rovers are also being finalised, and a proposal has been sent to the government,” Dr Yadav added. “Once implemented, the system will ensure error-free demarcation, eliminate overlapping claims, and reduce disputes.”

Haryana Tribune