Delhi Government to Create Centralised Digital Database of All Land Assets
The Delhi government has taken a major step toward modernising land governance by announcing the creation of a centralised digital database of all government-owned land assets. The initiative will operate through the Delhi Asset Management Information System, commonly known as DAMIS. The platform aims to bring transparency, strengthen governance, prevent encroachments, and improve the utilisation of public land across the national capital.
As Delhi continues to expand rapidly, land scarcity has become a growing concern. In this context, accurate and accessible land records have become critical. Through DAMIS, the government seeks to establish a single, verified digital source that clearly defines ownership, usage, and administrative control of every public land parcel.
Why a Unified Land Record System Became Necessary
For years, land records in Delhi remained scattered across multiple departments. Municipal bodies, development authorities, and public sector undertakings maintained data independently. Unfortunately, these records followed different formats and often lacked timely updates.
As a result, departments faced duplication, administrative delays, and frequent disputes. More importantly, unclear ownership records made government land vulnerable to unauthorised occupation and encroachment. In many cases, the absence of reliable data slowed redevelopment projects and delayed infrastructure approvals.
To address these challenges, the Delhi government directed all land-owning departments to urgently submit complete details of land parcels and immovable properties under their control. This step marks a clear shift toward accountability and data-driven governance.
What DAMIS Is and How It Will Function
DAMIS is a web-based digital platform developed by Geospatial Delhi Limited for the Department of Information Technology. The system allows departments to digitally enter, update, and manage property-related information in real time.
The platform captures key details such as location, land area, ownership status, current usage, and administrative authority. Once departments upload verified data, DAMIS will function as a single source of truth for all government-owned immovable assets in Delhi.
In addition, the platform will simplify monitoring and improve coordination between departments. Officials will be able to access accurate data instantly, identify inconsistencies, and take faster decisions.
Strengthening Action Against Encroachments
Encroachment remains one of the biggest issues affecting public land in urban areas. In Delhi, unclear records often delay enforcement and create legal complications. DAMIS directly tackles this problem by offering precise digital mapping of land parcels.
With verified data available on a single platform, authorities can quickly identify illegal occupation and initiate timely action. At the same time, clear ownership records will reduce disputes and prevent misuse of public assets.
As a result, DAMIS will not only protect government land but also restore public confidence in land administration.
Improving Planning and Asset Utilisation
Beyond record-keeping, DAMIS plays a strategic role in urban planning. Accurate land data will help the administration identify underutilised or vacant assets. This clarity will allow departments to plan redevelopment, infrastructure projects, and public facilities more effectively.
Moreover, improved coordination between departments will reduce approval delays and eliminate overlapping claims. This integrated approach will support smarter decision-making and faster execution of development plans.
In a city like Delhi, where every parcel of land holds immense value, such efficiency can significantly impact long-term growth.
Training, Accountability, and Implementation
Despite earlier directives, several departments failed to submit complete data within stipulated timelines. To resolve this, the government has issued fresh instructions and asked all divisional heads to nominate nodal officers.
These officers will coordinate data submission and ensure accuracy and completeness. The government has also conducted training sessions and demonstrations to familiarise officials with the DAMIS platform. User credentials have already been issued, and senior officials have reiterated the importance of timely data entry.
The programme recently underwent review at a senior officers’ meeting chaired by the Chief Secretary. During the meeting, departments were reminded of their responsibilities and timelines under the initiative.
Expert View on the Impact of DAMIS
Sanjeev Singh, Managing Director, SKJ Landbase, believes the initiative could redefine land governance in the capital.
DAMIS is a crucial step toward bringing clarity and discipline to Delhi’s land ecosystem. When government land data becomes transparent and digitally verifiable, it reduces disputes, prevents misuse, and accelerates redevelopment. Such systems also create confidence for long-term urban planning and public-private partnerships.
A Long-Term Shift Toward Modern Land Governance
Once fully implemented, DAMIS will enhance transparency, reduce ownership disputes, and curb unauthorised occupation of government land. The platform will also support smart city initiatives, redevelopment projects, and future infrastructure planning.
Digital mapping of land assets marks a significant shift from fragmented record-keeping to structured governance. Over time, this system will not only improve administrative efficiency but also safeguard Delhi’s valuable public resources.
By embracing technology-driven land management, the Delhi government has laid the foundation for more accountable, efficient, and future-ready urban governance.
