Land management and ownership are the backbone of governance and any administration of the country. Patwari System is used for the maintenance of rural and agricultural land records, in Pakistan. The Patwari system is the backbone of property rights, revenue collection, and rural governance – Hence knowing how the Patwari land survey works is important to anyone who deals with any disputed piece of Land. To discuss in brief, this article covers the traditional groundwork of land surveying based on Patwar Khana and its role in modern governance, the digitalization of existing records, and more recent reforms affecting it.
Table of Contents
How would a Patwari operate?
The main elements of this piece would be discussing data collection methods for the survey targeted at Patwaris but first, it is important to relate a brief introduction about how land record works with respect to their role and responsibility as outlined in the State Land administration system. A Patwari is a government official in charge of land records and assessment of taxes over the lands owned by people, revenue collection, etc. The Patwaris, over centuries, have historically used a manual technique to survey and measure land.
The Patwari also works as the surveyor and collects all information of his circle with regard to area, land revenue, rent payable by proprietors.
Traditional Patwari Land Survey Methods
Patwari land survey has been a manual method using simple tools and measurements to measure the area of each land parcel, mark its boundaries etc. Landowners are required to adhere by these methods as well in addition of the government making sure that it does so, and having correct taxation on land use.
1. Chain surveying (Zanjeeri Naap)
The most popular technique through which the Patwaris get their façade of control is called chain surveying or Zanjeeri Naap in the local language. This technique utilizes a chain or measuring tape to measure distances from one land point to another. Patwari normally calculates the area by taking the length x width of the plot. It is best suited for plain lands and small plots.
- Process: Patwari steps off the boundary of the property with a chain to measure distances and note any landmarks (such as trees or rocks) that signify/indicate the limits.
- Limitations: Chain surveying may not give accurate results if the land is hilly or boundaries are unclear. It can also be a time-consuming way to go, especially in the case of large plots.
2. Plain Table Surveying
Another common method is plain table surveying due to its use of a plane surface i.e. A flat board in which the map shows what the surveyor sees on the ground while he draws it factor by fact with exact measurements and measures right angles, therefore no calculations are needed later (neat sketch). Online Writing The tools used by the Patwari are a compass, to measure direction and the scale for mapping distance with respect to proportion.
- Process: The flat table will be placed at different places on the land. Patwari makes boundary lines and marks important landmarks on the plane, so just a rough sketch of the land parcel.
- Limitations: A plain table survey is more challenging than a chain survey which makes it complicated and time-consuming, in addition to the rough estimate of the aspect.
3. Theodolite Surveying
For elaborate measurements of land, the Patwaris may use a Theodolite (an instrument for measuring horizontal and vertical angles). It is an accurate method of surveying and may require the use of skillful expertise, using exclusive or expensive equipment.
- Process: Patwari set up the Theodolite on a tripod, and took angles between fixed points & distance among them. These dimensions are then taken to determine the actual size of the property.
- Limitations: The destination of not be in employ to have a go at with regard small plots or simple as the task of measurement even boasting craftsmanship and requirement for training.
Modern reforms of Digitization in land records
Pakistan has been undertaking profound reforms of its land management system for a few years now to remove the inefficiencies in traditional Patwari methods. Certain major reforms, for example, digitalization of land records (for providing easier and more transparent access to such information).
1. Land Record Management Information System (LRMIS) of Computerized
The LRMIS is one of the many steps toward modernization that has been launched in different provinces including Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. This system helps landowners to check their records online even if they do not have a need to visit the Patwari offices to get information related to their land.
- Procedure: Any land owner can search the property by entering the CNIC number or Khasra no. of a particular piece of land It offers digital access to the ownership history of parcels, as well as boundaries and any alterations made to land properties over time.
- Analysis: This change has helped prevent fraud as records are now verifiably stored on a secure intermediated centralized database. This improves also the rate and the accuracy at which land transactions are executed.
- Problems: Digitalization is undeniably good but it has its problems as there can be data migration issues and incomplete/working of inaccurate information or migration, internet unavailability in the rural parts, and also resistance from traditional Patwari offices.
2. Satellite-Based Surveying
Satellite-based land surveying is the second modern technology being introduced in Pakistan, which will solve not only the issue of flawed measurements but also a lackadaisical approach towards agricultural communication. This method uses GPS technology to determine the precise location of land boundaries, which are then geolocated.
- Procedure: Land Surveyors put coordinates on the ground to capture with GPS. This data gets processed and turned into accurate digital maps. Imagery also provides a useful insight in mapping large areas which helps disputes on unstable boundaries settle easily.
- Advantage: This method is not manual, results with great accuracy and also a lot fewer human errors to be made than the traditional methods.
- Challenges: Satellite surveying is expensive to use in rural areas and the data collected need interpreting by experts.
Importance of Patwari Land Survey Techniques in Modern Governance
While rural areas are slowly getting digitalized, the job of Patwari is high and commanding in governance. Patwaris are the first line of contact for landowners in villages moving forward and their intricate understanding of local land histories is irreplaceable when it comes to settling disputes or documenting records with relative accuracy. The blend of traditional with modern-day reforms makes certain that Pakistan’s land governance system is kept in pace considering the at any time increasing populace.
- Taxation and Revenue: Accurate land surveys are essential for ensuring that real property taxes are levied fairly. Since the government’s water tax from lands will depend on an area, and hence there are certain duties that have been assigned to Patwaris they should jointly work with surveyors under modern techniques for proper agreement as well.
- Property Ownership and Dispute: Land Records Should Be Accurate, land records will play a great role in determining the ownership leading to easier and quicker resolution of property-related disputes.
- Development of Rural Areas: Patwaris keep records that help the government to plan rural development projects including road construction, schools, and hospitals.
Reforms and the Way Forward for Patwari Land Surveying
With the government moving forward with paperless operations, the functioning of Patwari land survey methods is bound to evolve. In the future, the digitalization of this field will certainly lower reliance on traditional methods and increase performance with technological improvements like satellite imaging and drone surveys. In such rural areas where digital access might still be a challenge, it is certain that the local knowledge and expertise of Patwaris will have to coexist to ensure the correctness of land records.
The accountability and transparency of Patwaris have also been improved while advancing towards digitizing the functioning of land management in order to curb corruption and mishandling.
Conclusion
Patwari land survey systems are the backbone of Pakistan’s years-old system of comprehensive records control over its farmland. While means like chain surveying and plain table mapping are still, reform in the recent times along with the digitalization of land records is changing the scenario from traditional to modern. By creating an easier, faster, and more accurate land administration system the launch of the Land Record Management Information System (LRMIS) as well as providing satellite-based surveying is in this respect another important measure towards transparent governance taking place on the ground.
Understanding the Patwari system and continued reforms is essential for both landowners as well as government officials to be able to adequately negotiate through issues of landownership, taxation, and governance in Pakistan. Pakistan has a centuries-old traditional system of land survey, which if integrated with technology can cater to the needs of its fast-growing and changing populace.
FAQ, S
1. What is the Patwari land survey and how it works?
Patwari Land Surveying Techniques Heritage Methods Manual Instruments like Chain Survey and Plain Table mapping are used for Patwari land survey to measure the plot of land. These methods are used by patwaris to enter precise land records and establish property ownership, as well as to asses taxes on such lands.
2. How the Patwari system is relevant to land management?
Patwari: Responsible for keeping land records, and protecting ownership rights. This system is of utmost importance in both rural governance as well as land taxation in the province of Punjab and some other areas like Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) which now includes tribal areas.
3. In what ways, modern technology and digitalization has impacted the Patwari land surveys?
Reforms in the recent past, such as Land Record Management Information System (LRMIS) and Satellite surveying have improved traditional Patwari land survey methods making it more accurate as well as efficient. Such reforms help in bringing down manual errors and cut corruption.
4. Advantages of Digitalized Patwari Land Records?
With digitized land records, property details are available online making it easier for the owners to have easy access. It helps settle land disputes more quickly, prevents unnecessary transfers of ownership, and improves tax control.
5. How have Recent Reforms and Technology affected the Patwari Land Survey Methods?
Advancements like GPS and satellite-based surveys have rendered the Patwari system more reliable as well as transparent. Modern technology made it possible to measure the land with high precision and accurately demarcate the borders, which in turn reduces conflicts over ownership.
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