Year End Review 2024: Achievement of the Department of Land Resources
The Department of Land Resources in India is actively working on two significant programs aimed at improving land management and agricultural productivity. These initiatives are the Digital India Land Records Modernization Programme (DILRMP) and the Watershed Development Component of the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (WDC-PMKSY). Both programs are designed to address critical issues related to land ownership, agricultural sustainability, and water management.
Digital India Land Records Modernization Programme (DILRMP)
Launched in 2016, the Digital India Land Records Modernization Programme (DILRMP) aims to digitize land records across the country. This initiative is crucial for ensuring transparency in land ownership and reducing disputes. As of September 2024, the DILRMP has introduced a new pilot program called the National Geospatial Knowledge-based Land Survey of Urban Habitations (NAKSHA). This program will create land records in urban areas, focusing on 150 cities nationwide. With a financial allocation of ₹193.81 crore, the pilot aims to clarify land ownership and resolve disputes in urban settings.
Since its inception, DILRMP has received 100% financial assistance from the central government. The program’s objective is to make land records and registration information available online, thereby preventing fraudulent transactions and minimizing land disputes. By March 2026, the program is expected to have digitized 98.5% of land records in rural areas, excluding some northeastern states. Additionally, 95% of maps and field measurement books have been digitized, and 72% of villages have linked cadastral maps to their records of rights.
The DILRMP has also computerized land registration in 96% of sub-registration offices (SROs) across the country. A notable innovation is the assignment of Unique Land Parcel Identification Numbers (ULPIN) to land parcels, with 23 crore parcels already assigned. This comprehensive digitization effort is a significant step toward modernizing land management in India.
Watershed Development Component of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (WDC-PMKSY)
The Watershed Development Component of the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (WDC-PMKSY) addresses critical challenges such as land degradation, soil erosion, and water scarcity. Recognizing the importance of sustainable agriculture, the government approved the continuation of WDC-PMKSY as WDC-PMKSY 2.0 for the period from 2021 to 2026. This initiative aims to treat 49.5 lakh hectares of land with a financial outlay of ₹8,134 crore.
As of December 20, 2024, 1,150 projects have been sanctioned across 28 states and two Union Territories, with ₹4,574.54 crore disbursed. The program has successfully created and rejuvenated over 1.15 lakh water harvesting structures, bringing an additional 1.69 lakh hectares under protective irrigation. This has directly benefited nearly 9.86 lakh farmers, enhancing agricultural productivity and improving rural livelihoods.
WDC-PMKSY 2.0 emphasizes the management of spring water, addressing the depletion of spring resources. The initiative has identified 4,075 springs across 15 states and Union Territories for rejuvenation. A NITI Aayog report from 2018 highlighted that India has approximately 5 million springs, with many drying up. The WDC-PMKSY 2.0 program aims to restore these vital water sources, ensuring a sustainable water supply for agriculture and rural communities.
The Department of Land Resources is making significant strides in modernizing land management and enhancing agricultural sustainability in India. Through the Digital India Land Records Modernization Programme and the Watershed Development Component of the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana, the government is addressing critical issues related to land ownership, agricultural productivity, and water management. These initiatives not only aim to reduce disputes and enhance transparency but also focus on sustainable practices that benefit farmers and rural communities. The ongoing efforts reflect a commitment to improving the quality of life for millions of people across the country.
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