Bhoobharati Signals a New Era in Telangana’s Land Reforms

The Telangana government has launched the Bhoobharati Act to comprehensively reform the state’s land administration system , aiming to provide permanent ownership security to farmers and landowners. The Act was introduced to address the shortcomings of the Dharani system , which faced criticism over errors, lack of transparency, and limited grievance redressal. Under the new framework, every land parcel will be digitally mapped , assigned a unique Bhoodhaar number , and supported by legally enforceable records to minimise disputes and litigation.

A key component of the reform is the introduction of a licensed surveyor system to ensure faster and more transparent field-level land surveys . In Khammam district, 47 trained surveyors received appointment letters in the second phase. The government has moved away from outdated tape-and-chain survey methods , adopting advanced GNSS-based Rover technology capable of centimetre-level accuracy . To support this transition, 600 rovers have been procured statewide, and around 5,500 licensed surveyors have been deployed mandal-wise based on land extent.

To ensure accountability, the government has initiated forensic audits into irregularities that occurred under Dharani. Audits in Sircilla and Siddipet districts have been completed and are under review, while similar audits will be conducted in the remaining 31 districts . Officials have warned that individuals involved in illegal land transactions or misuse of records will face criminal action , irrespective of their status.

The Bhoobharati portal , entrusted to a central government agency , will soon be made public, allowing citizens to access land records , apply for corrections and mutations , and track applications through a transparent digital system. The government believes this hybrid model—combining online services with offline verification will improve accessibility and rebuild public trust in land governance.

Separately, the government announced ₹5 lakh ex-gratia to families of victims of the Nampally fire accident , assuring full support and relief measures.