By Dr. Danish Lambe
Introduction
Land records are the backbone of property ownership, urban planning, and revenue generation. In Maharashtra, the transition from traditional Survey Numbers (Gat No.) to City Survey Numbers (CTS) has been a game-changer for urban governance. While Mumbai and its neighboring regions like Thane, Navi Mumbai, and Mira-Bhayandar have successfully adopted the CTS system, many smaller Nagar Palikas (Municipal Councils) still struggle with outdated land records.
This article explores:
- Why CTS is better than old Survey Numbers
- How Mumbai and its satellite cities implemented CTS successfully
- What smaller municipalities can learn from Mumbai’s model
- Challenges and the future of land record digitization in Maharashtra
1. Why CTS is the Future of Urban Land Management
Problems with Old Survey Numbers (Gat No.)
- Rural-Oriented System: Survey Numbers were designed for agricultural land, making them inefficient for urban properties.
- Legal Disputes: Ambiguity in records leads to ownership conflicts and land grabbing.
- Difficulty in Transactions: Banks and buyers hesitate due to unclear titles.
Advantages of CTS (City Survey Number)
✔ Standardized Urban System – Each plot gets a unique CTS number, simplifying identification.
✔ Reduced Fraud – Digitized records minimize fake claims and illegal encroachments.
✔ Faster Approvals – Municipalities use CTS for property tax, building permits, and utility connections.
✔ Integration with Digital India – Linked to portals like Mahabhulekh for easy access.
2. Success Stories: How Mumbai & Nearby Cities Adopted CTS
A. Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) – A Model for Others
- CTS-Based Property Cards: All land records are mapped under CTS, ensuring transparency.
- Smart Governance: Online tax payments (88% digital collection in 2024-25) and defaulters’ property sealing.
- Public Transport & Land Use Integration: Revised transport plans with CTS-linked land data for Metro expansion.
B. Navi Mumbai (CIDCO & NMMC) – Fully Digitized System
- Plotted Lands Under CTS: All properties registered with CTS, easing real estate transactions.
- Online Mutation & Tax Payments: Citizens can verify records on Mahabhulekh Maharashtra.
C. Mira-Bhayandar & Vasai-Virar – Transition in Progress
- Phasing Out Gat Numbers: Moving towards CTS to reduce disputes.
- Challenges: Legacy record updates and ownership verification delays.
3. What Nagar Palikas Can Learn from Mumbai’s Success
✅ 1. Digitize Land Records
- Adopt Mahabhulekh-like portals for online 7/12 extracts and mutation records.
- Link property tax with CTS to improve revenue collection.
✅ 2. Improve Urban Planning
- Use CTS for infrastructure projects (roads, Metro, water supply).
- Learn from TMC’s transport plan, which integrates land records with mobility solutions.
✅ 3. Citizen-Centric Governance
- Online grievance redressal (like Mumbai’s MCGM 24×7 helpline).
- Public consultations before major land-use changes.
✅ 4. Sustainable Development
- Waste management & lake restoration (Thane allocated ₹59.94 crore for lakes).
- Smart budgeting (TMC’s ₹5,645 crore infra budget without new taxes).
4. Challenges & The Road Ahead
While CTS is a superior system, challenges remain:
- Legacy Data Errors: Old records need manual verification.
- Bureaucratic Delays: Faster approvals needed for CTS conversions.
- Awareness Among Citizens: Many still rely on physical property cards.
Future Steps for Maharashtra
🔹 100% Digitization of Land Records – Expand Mahabhulekh to all Nagar Palikas.
🔹 Training for Municipal Staff – Ensure smooth CTS implementation.
🔹 Public Awareness Campaigns – Educate citizens on online land record access.
Conclusion
Maharashtra’s shift from Survey Numbers to CTS is revolutionizing urban governance. Mumbai, Thane, and Navi Mumbai have shown the way—now, smaller municipalities must follow. With digitization, better planning, and citizen engagement, every city in Maharashtra can achieve transparent, efficient, and dispute-free land management.
What’s Next?
- Check your property’s CTS status on Mahabhulekh Maharashtra.
- Demand CTS implementation in your local Nagar Palika for faster, fraud-free transactions.
Your city’s development starts with clear land records—embrace the CTS revolution today! �🏙️