What are the various types of land Surveys in Telangana?

There are various types of land surveys conducted in Telangana, each serving a specific purpose. Here's a breakdown of the most common types:

Original Survey:

• It is the initial comprehensive land survey conducted in the 19th century by the government. It maps the record landholdings, classifies soil types, and establishes ownership rights. This survey resulted in the creation of Sethwars/ Settlement Registers, Tippan, and detailed Village Maps that remain the foundation of the land record system in Telangana today. 

• Original survey information forms the basis for land records and serves as a reference for future surveys.

Resurvey:

• A resurvey of agricultural lands is done to modernize and update the land records across the state. 

• In the 1970s, the survey was taken up by the government for the freshly taken-up villages. 

• It may involve re-measuring land parcels, verifying boundaries, and updating the cadastral map.

• In Telangana, the resurvey of agricultural lands was initiated in 2020 and is a major ongoing project aimed at updating land records. 

Supplementary Survey:

• This type of survey is conducted where same survey number lands were acquired by the government or where the excess land was given by the government in 1970s. 

• It involves measuring the new subdivisions, assigning new survey numbers, and updating the land records.

Boundary Survey:

• This type of survey focuses on establishing and marking the boundaries of a specific land parcel either in sam survey number or different survey number. 

• This particular survey is not conducted by a government surveyor; instead, it is carried out by a private surveyor or one appointed by the court.

• It involves identifying existing boundary markers or establishing new ones based on legal documents and measurements.

• Boundary surveys are often conducted to resolve disputes between landowners or to ensure proper land utilization.

Topographic Survey:

• This type of survey captures the physical features of the land, including elevation, slope, and vegetation cover.

• Private surveyors conduct this process employing specialized equipment such as DGPS, creating detailed maps that prove valuable for various purposes, including land development, planning, and resource management.

Land Acquisition Survey:

• This type of survey is conducted when the government needs to acquire land for public projects.

• It involves identifying the land parcels to be acquired, measuring them accurately, and preparing a compensation report for landowners.

In addition to these, there are other three types of government surveys conducted based on the need, such as:

• Encroachment Survey: To identify and map illegal occupation of land.

• Demarcation Survey: To mark and establish boundaries between government and private land.

• Forest Survey: To measure and map forest cover for conservation and management purposes.

The type of survey conducted depends on the specific purpose and the requirements of the land owner, government, or other stakeholders. The government department responsible for land surveys in Telangana is the Chief Commissioner of Land Administration (CCLA).

What are the roles and scope of work of a government surveyor vs a private surveyor?

Both government and private surveyors play crucial roles in land management and development. Although their roles may overlap in some areas, their scopes of work differ significantly. Here's a breakdown of their key responsibilities:

Government Surveyor:

Roles:

• Conduct various types of land surveys: This includes original surveys, resurveys, supplementary surveys, encroachment survey, demarcation survey, and forest survey. 

• Maintain and update land records: This includes the Record of Rights (RoR), cadastral maps, and other land-related documents.

• Settle land disputes: This involves resolving boundary conflicts, inheritance issues, and other land-related disputes between landowners. Usually, the government surveyor doesn't get involved unless ordered by the court. 

• Provide technical expertise to government agencies: This includes assistance with land acquisition, planning, and development projects.

Scope of Work:

• Works within a specific area assigned by the government or the court.
• Follows strict guidelines and procedures established by the government.
• Accountable to the government for their work and actions.

Private Surveyor:

Roles:

• Conduct land surveys for private individuals and companies: This includes boundary surveys, topographic surveys, land subdivision surveys, and more.

• Assist in preparing land development plans: This involves designing and planning the layout of land for various purposes like housing, commercial development, and infrastructure projects.

• Represent clients in land disputes and legal proceedings.

• Offer specialized services such as drone surveys, underwater surveys, and geospatial analysis.

Scope of Work:

• Works for a wide range of clients, including individuals, businesses, and government agencies.
• Operates independently and has more flexibility in choosing projects and clients.
• Free to set their fees and rates based on market conditions.
• Responsible for complying with professional ethics and industry standards.

What is the procedure for applying for a government survey in Telangana and how much time does it take after applying, to get my land surveyed?

Here's the procedure for applying for a government survey in Telangana:

1. Visit the official website of Meeseva (link) 

• Appeal for Demarcation 
• Keep necessary documents handy:
  • Land ownership documents (pattadar passbook, sale deed, etc.)
  • Identity proof
  • Application form (available at MRO or online)
  • Survey fee (determined by type and area of land)
  • Address proof

2. Submit the application:

• Fill out the application form with details like survey type, land details, and applicant information.
• Attach the required documents and pay the survey fee.
• Obtain an acknowledgment receipt/ challan for future reference.

4. Verification and processing:

• Visit the MRO office 
• The MRO will verify your application and documents.
• If approved, a notice would be issued to all the stakeholders and village revenue assitant

5. Survey process:

• The surveyor will visit your land and conduct the required measurements and observations.
• Survey boundaries are identified and duly marked. The signatures are taken from all the stakeholders as survey Panchnama. 
• Boundary markers may be installed and sketches prepared.
• You may need to be present at the time of the survey.

6. Report and finalization:

• The surveyor will prepare a report with detailed findings and a tonch map.
• The report will be reviewed by the Tahsildar and MRO.
• Upon approval, the survey results will be updated in land records.
• You will receive a copy of the survey report and tonch map.

Estimated Time:

The processing time for a government survey in Telangana can vary depending on several factors:

• Type of survey
• Land area
• Availability of surveyors
• Administrative workload

Typical time frame:

• It takes around 3-6 months

Additional Tips:

• You can track the application status by visiting the MRO or online portal (if available).
• Ensure all documents are valid and complete to avoid delays.
• Keep copies of all application documents and receipts.

Resources:

• Chief Commissioner of Land  Administration: https://ccla.telangana.gov.in/Welcome.do
• Dharani portal: https://dharani.telangana.gov.in/

There’s usually a long waiting time to get a Govt. Survey done. The same tippon surveys can be done by our empanelled private surveyors, to get an understanding before you proceed. Check out the services tab at 1acre.in to know more.