The Delhi government has initiated a comprehensive survey of Abadi Deh areas across rural villages in the national capital, aimed at resolving longstanding property ownership disputes and providing residents with formal legal documentation. Announced by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, this initiative represents a major step toward modernizing rural land management through the integration of advanced technology and systematic record-keeping processes.

Abadi Deh refers to the inhabited sections of villages, encompassing residential homes, cowsheds, ancillary structures, and common facilities. Historically excluded from formal revenue surveys conducted before independence, these areas lack official khasra or khatauni records, resulting in widespread ambiguity over ownership. This documentation gap has fueled protracted legal battles, hindered infrastructure development, and restricted villagers' access to bank loans and government welfare programs.

The survey will be conducted under the supervision of the Revenue Department in collaboration with technical agencies, employing drone-based aerial mapping to precisely delineate plot sizes, boundaries, and structures. Preliminary drone-generated maps will undergo rigorous on-ground verification to ensure accuracy, followed by a period for public objections and resolutions. In cases of unclear demarcations, assistance from municipal corporations, the Delhi Development Authority, and police will be sought to maintain order and fairness.

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Progress has already been made under the central government's SVAMITVA scheme, with a 2022 memorandum of understanding between the Revenue Department and the Survey of India facilitating drone surveys in 48 rural villages. As of now, aerial surveys are complete in 31 villages, and verified maps for 25 have been submitted for final processing and issuance of geo-referenced property cards.

Upon completion, all Abadi Deh records will be digitized and accessible via a dedicated online portal for a nominal fee. Residents will receive official property cards serving as conclusive proof of ownership, enabling easier access to financial services, planned urban development, and resolution of inheritance issues. Village-specific timelines and objection mechanisms will be notified separately, marking the end of decades of uncertainty for rural Delhi households.

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