Land Survey and Settlement Work to Resume in Bihar’s 38 Districts

PATNA – In an effort to streamline land-related records and bring about a comprehensive settlement process, Bihar is gearing up for a two-phase special survey and settlement initiative across its districts.

Director Jay Singh of the Revenue and Land Improvement Department has issued directives to all district officers, assistant district officers, and land improvement deputy officers, outlining the plan that will cover all 38 districts.

The first phase of this crucial endeavor will encompass 20 districts, while the subsequent phase will expand to include 18 districts, with the addition of Muzaffarpur. Landowners are required to present relevant documents during the camp, and extensive information dissemination is planned to ensure local awareness in all regions.

While the exact date is yet to be determined, all districts are instructed to initiate preparations for the project, adhering to the guidelines issued for the proper collection, preservation, and updating of records. Each region is set to host a special survey and settlement camp, featuring a supervisor, two surveyors, two clerks, and one special survey officer for every four revenue villages in the area. The primary objective is to leverage modern technology for the continuous digitization of online rights records and maps.

The settlement process will subsequently determine land tax based on the nature and use of the land. Hindered by the COVID-19 pandemic, the work had faced a hiatus of about four years. However, the department has now issued orders to recommence the process. Landowners are mandated to attend the camp with a copy of the property register, rent receipt, land record copy (if available), and a copy of the Aadhaar card, following departmental rules.

The first phase will cover districts like Begusarai, Lakhisarai, Jehanabad, Araria, Sitamarhi, Supaul, West Champaran, Sheohar, Banka, Sheikhpura, Saharsa, Katihar, Purnia, Munger, Nalanda, Khagaria, Arwal, Madhepura, Jamui, and Kishanganj. The subsequent phase will extend to districts including Muzaffarpur, Rohtas, Buxar, Bhojpur, Kaimur, Aurangabad, Nawada, Gaya, Patna, Vaishali, East Champaran, Siwan, Gopalganj, Darbhanga, Samastipur, Madhubani, Bhagalpur, and Saran.

This comprehensive initiative aims to bring transparency and efficiency to the land-related processes, ensuring a seamless and modernized system for the benefit of the people of Bihar.