Odisha Shifts Land Demarcation to Fully Online System

New digital workflow aims to curb corruption, speed up dispute resolution, and bring transparency to land services

Bhubaneswar: In a major governance reform, the Odisha Revenue and Disaster Management Department has announced that the entire land demarcation process will now be conducted online. The shift is designed to eliminate long-standing issues of delays, irregularities, and corruption associated with the manual system—offering citizens a faster and more transparent way to resolve land-related matters.

A detailed Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) issued by Additional Chief Secretary Deoranjan Kumar Singh has been circulated to all Revenue Commissioners and District Collectors. It outlines a step-by-step digital workflow that allows landowners to apply online, select measurement slots, upload documents, and track progress through the department’s service portal.

Under the new system, landowners can initiate demarcation requests after completing e-KYC verification. Applicants must upload essential documents including the latest Record of Rights (RoR), old settlement maps or registry papers, and a self-declaration confirming the absence of any court restrictions. Where applicable, layout plans must also be provided. A user fee of ₹800 per plot will apply.

Once an application is submitted, an auto-generated acknowledgement number will be issued for tracking. The Tehsildar—designated as the competent authority under the Odisha Survey and Settlement Rules, 1962—will verify documents before beginning the process. Within seven days, notices will be issued inviting objections from neighbouring landowners. Hearings will follow where necessary.

If no objections arise, the Tehsildar will assign surveyors to carry out the field measurement. The measurement date will be strictly based on a first-come-first-served system to prevent preferential treatment. Survey work will be conducted in the presence of concerned stakeholders, and local police will be notified to ensure law and order during the process.

The SOP also makes clear that once a measurement slot is booked, it cannot be rescheduled or refunded—ensuring that applicants choose their dates responsibly and preventing system misuse. In cases where government land or court orders are involved, Tehsildars can initiate the process directly without requiring a separate application.

Officials believe the fully digital demarcation system will improve efficiency and significantly reduce public grievances. By eliminating manual intervention at multiple stages, Odisha aims to establish a land administration framework that is accountable, time-bound, and resistant to interference. The reform is expected to particularly aid landowners facing boundary disputes, encroachment issues, and delays in completing land transactions.

With this digital overhaul, the state positions itself at the forefront of technology-driven land governance—building trust, streamlining services, and ensuring that citizens have access to clear, transparent, and predictable procedures for securing their land rights.