Delhi Rolls Out ‘Bhu-Aadhaar’ Under ULPIN Land Reforms

Unique 14-Digit Land ID System to Modernise Delhi Property Records

The Delhi government has initiated the implementation of ‘Bhu-Aadhaar’, a digital framework designed to assign every land parcel a Unique Land Parcel Identification Number (ULPIN). The reform aims to modernise land records, enhance ownership clarity, and strengthen transparency in property administration across the national capital.

Unique Identification for Every Land Parcel

Under the system, each plot will receive a geo-referenced 14-digit identification number. This code will function as a permanent digital identity linked to spatial coordinates, parcel boundaries, and ownership records. Authorities expect the initiative to minimise boundary ambiguities, prevent duplicate registrations, and reduce land-related disputes.

ULPIN is structured to ensure standardisation, enabling a uniform land identification mechanism across jurisdictions.

Drone Surveys and High-Precision Mapping

The digital mapping exercise relies on drone surveys and high-resolution ortho-imaging. Approximately 2 terabytes of geospatial data are being processed to ensure accurate demarcation. The IT branch of the revenue department is overseeing execution in collaboration with the Survey of India.

Implementation will proceed in phases following a defined standard operating procedure. The initial rollout covers 48 villages previously surveyed under the SVAMITVA scheme, with citywide expansion planned subsequently.

Strengthening Transparency and Governance

Bhu-Aadhaar addresses structural weaknesses in legacy land records, where unclear demarcation often triggered ownership conflicts. The geo-referenced code enables rapid verification of plot dimensions, classification, and coordinates.

The system also supports structured land statistics and land accounting, facilitating policy planning, land banks, and efficient land administration.

Exam-Focused Points

• ULPIN → 14-digit geo-referenced land identity

• Drone surveys → High-accuracy cadastral mapping

• Survey of India → National geospatial authority

• SVAMITVA → Drone-based rural property mapping

• ILIMS → Digitised land governance system

Urban Land Record Transformation

The Bhu-Aadhaar initiative represents a major step toward digitised urban governance. By integrating geospatial intelligence with administrative databases, Delhi seeks to improve service delivery, ease of doing business, and property market transparency while strengthening legal certainty in land ownership.