26 July, 2024 – A groundbreaking drone survey project, launched during the pandemic, is nearing completion and has provided the central government with extensive data on land use and housing structures across thousands of villages in India. This initiative, covering the type of homes and building materials like mud houses, thatched roofs, and concrete buildings, has culminated in ready data for 25,000 villages, which is now available for implementing various projects and schemes.
Survey efforts are underway across 3.20 lakh villages, with the process completed in 2.95 lakh villages and mapping ongoing. States citing current land rights records, including West Bengal, Bihar, Nagaland, and Meghalaya, as well as Tamil Nadu, declined to participate. Jharkhand initially participated but later withdrew due to the Chhota Nagpur Tenancy Act of 1908.
At the height of the project, around 250 drones and AI technologies were deployed to filter information and process maps with detailed specifics. The Ministry of Panchayati Raj oversees the project, which has become a vital tool for the government, enabling targeted policy-making.
“This initiative, launched during the pandemic, now delivers exclusive data on urban and rural households, detailing construction types, whether mud, thatched, or cemented roofs,” a senior IAS officer from the ministry stated. This data will significantly support initiatives like the PM’s Surya Ghar Yojana and Awas Yojana, informing nuanced economic strategies and aiding in determining the feasibility of installing solar panels for the Surya Ghar Yojana.
Experts deem the SVAMITVA survey a “strategic masterstroke,” providing precise information on rural and urban properties, including orthoscans of homes and land property data. A land and data consultant involved with the ministry remarked that this project aligns with the Digital India initiative, offering a wealth of data for informed planning across various ministries and schemes.
Initially aimed at providing property cards or records of rights to villagers, the project’s scope has expanded to support several central government schemes. A consultant highlighted that this move underscores the government’s commitment to data-driven governance, marking a significant advancement in its political and administrative strategies.
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Tech Content Writer, Maverick Drones And Technologies Private Limited
