Drone-based land assessment project hits snags in Dakshina Kannada

Team Udayavani, Oct 22, 2023, 11:25 AM IST

Mangaluru: The drone survey in Dakshina Kannada, being undertaken for property assessment under the ‘Svamitva’ scheme, has been stalled almost halfway through!

The state government had decided to conduct a drone-assisted property survey in 21 districts of Karnataka including Dakshina Kannada. Under the ‘Svamitva’ scheme, 82 Gram Panchayats in Dakshina Kannada district were selected and a tender process was completed. However, the survey has not been done adequately.

Mission at hand

Under the Svamitva scheme, 82 Gram Panchayats in Dakshina Kannada district were selected for the property survey via drones. This method involves a meticulous process wherein land surveyors of the Revenue Department and Gram Panchayat Officers work in conjunction with property owners to verify and identify assets. Following this, a drone-based survey captures images of the properties, which are then processed to generate a map of the identified assets.

Uneven Terrain and Land Records

Officials cited that the lack of the ‘Grama Thana’ concept in the Dakshina Kannada district has been a major stumbling block.  The distinctive land records format in Dakshina Kannada, which differs from other districts, has resulted in delays in implementing the drone survey.

While other districts utilize the ‘Grama Thana’ format, the coastal district’s records are based on survey numbers. Due to this, there has been a delay in the implementation of the drone survey record.

Moreover, the topography of the district poses a unique challenge. The hilly terrain along the coastal district has complicated the drone survey process.

Prasadini, Assistant Director of the Land Survey Department, stated that due to the absence of a Gram Thana system and unsuitable terrain for drone flying, the survey has been temporarily halted. Further decisions will be made in alignment with government directives.

Objections and Controversies

Additionally, objections have been raised about the drone survey process. Some areas have voiced concerns over the scientific accuracy of the survey, with reports of high costs associated with certain drone map printouts.

Concerns have also been raised about the allocation of ownership cards for certain properties. It has been alleged that some individuals, who had enclosed and secured 15 cents of land, were issued ownership cards based on the drone survey, even though it pertained to only 10 cents of their property.

No funds for purchasing paint!

Furthermore, a practical issue has emerged regarding the paint required for marking properties. The four corners of the properties have to be marked with distinct paint markings for easy identification by drones. However, the financial responsibility for this task has been passed on to local panchayats. With no specific directives from the government regarding this expense, panchayats are grappling with an unexpected financial burden.