Drone News

Drone-Based Land Surveys Set to Expand in Karnataka After Central Approval Is Granted

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Pradipta V Mukherjee

August 6, 2025

On August 6, 2025

The Karnataka government has requested permission from the Union Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) to use drones in 353 red zone villages under the Center’s SVAMITVA program, a major step to speed up rural property surveys. These villages are situated close to high-security areas, military installations, and airports—sensitive sites where using drones calls for special authorization from central authorities.

In order to issue official ownership records and settle rural land disputes, the state plans to finish drone-based land surveys in all 30,715 villages by March 2026.

The Rajya Sabha was notified by Union Panchayat Raj Minister SP Singh Baghel that Karnataka had formally asked MoCA for permission in cooperation with the Survey of India. Given the security sensitivity of the regions involved, officials anticipate that the clearance will be given with specific operational restrictions.

A major project called SVAMITVA (Survey of Villages and Mapping with Improvised Technology in Village Areas) uses drone technology to produce precise property maps and give rural residents legal ownership cards. The Survey Settlement and Land Records (SSLR) department of the state reports that surveys have already been finished in 23,338 villages and that draft property cards for more than 10.2 lakh properties in 4,125 villages have been created.

For the first time, properties inside gramthanas (village boundaries) and adjacent residential areas are being surveyed, according to SSLR Commissioner J Manjunath. Field surveyors will work with locals to perform on-site verifications following the drone-based mapping. From drainage layouts to property outlines, the final village maps will contain comprehensive information.

Villagers will have an opportunity to confirm the information and request any necessary corrections prior to the final property cards being distributed. Documentation will be used to settle disputes, guaranteeing the fairness and correctness of ownership records.

After MoCA gives the required permissions, work on the remaining villages is anticipated to start right away. In collaboration with the Survey of India, the nation’s nodal mapping agency, the remaining surveys will go forward.

The SVAMITVA scheme is anticipated to enhance land governance, lessen conflict, and increase credit availability in rural India by facilitating digital property rights and settling boundary disputes.

Pradipta V Mukherjee

CEO, Mavdrones

Pradipta V Mukherjee is the visionary CEO of Mavdrones & Drone Pathshala, driving innovation and growth in the drone industry. With a passion for advanced technology, he leads the company's strategic direction, ensuring Mavdrones stays at the forefront of drone solutions. Under his leadership, Mavdrones has achieved remarkable success, including winning the 'Best Innovation and Technology in Drone Industry' award from ASSOCHAM. Pradipta is committed to revolutionizing the industry through advanced UAV technology, fostering a culture of excellence and forward-thinking within the organization.