New Delhi | Delhi may have expanded its online government services, but a recent World Bank Group assessment has highlighted significant gaps in some of the capital’s basic systems, including property records, registration, construction approvals and water-quality monitoring.
A review meeting chaired by the Delhi Chief Secretary last month examined the findings under the World Bank Group’s Business Ready (B-READY) assessment. Several indicators received zero or partial scores, prompting the Delhi government to direct departments to identify shortcomings and prepare time-bound action plans. Officials have been asked to prioritise reforms that can be implemented within two months.
Fragmented Land Records Identified as Major Concern
One of the key issues identified was Delhi’s fragmented land-record system. Information relating to land ownership, mutation, registration and property tax is currently maintained by different departments and agencies, making it difficult to access comprehensive information about a property through a single system.
To address this, the government plans to establish a ‘Delhi Land Stack’, bringing together land records and other property-related information maintained by different agencies.
The Delhi Development Authority (DDA), Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) and New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) have also been asked to accelerate the digitisation of old land and lease records and integrate them into a broader land-information system. The assessment review set August 2026 as the target for this process.
Government Considers Unique Property Identification
Another gap highlighted during the review was the absence of a unique identification system for properties across the city.
The government is considering geo-referenced property identification and drone surveys to digitally map properties and connect them with their precise locations. The initial surveys are proposed for areas including Rohini and Dwarka, according to the assessment review.
Such a system could help integrate property-related information across agencies and improve the accessibility and consistency of land and property data.
Push Towards Paperless Property Registration
Property registration in Delhi is already partly digital, but certain stages—including deed execution and signing—continue to require manual intervention.
The Revenue Department has been asked to work towards fully paperless and faceless property registration, potentially reducing physical documentation and the need for in-person processes.
Water-Quality Monitoring Also Flagged
The assessment also identified scope for strengthening Delhi’s water-quality monitoring framework. Although the city has facilities for testing water, officials noted that an independent regulatory mechanism for monitoring and enforcing water-quality standards could strengthen the system.
The Delhi Jal Board (DJB) has been asked to examine how such a mechanism could be established.
Sustainable Construction Incentives Under Review
Construction-related reforms were another focus of the review. Officials discussed measures to encourage sustainable buildings, with the MCD proposing incentives linked to floor area ratio (FAR).
Departments have also been asked to explore other mechanisms, including property-tax rebates and environmental incentives, to encourage sustainable construction practices.
Urbanisation of 48 Villages Reviewed
The Delhi government also reviewed the proposed urbanisation of 48 villages. The Urban Development and Revenue departments have been directed to move the relevant file for consideration by the Lieutenant Governor.
The reforms outlined in the review indicate a broader push towards integrating land and property information, digitising government processes, strengthening regulatory systems and encouraging more sustainable development across Delhi.
Also Read: From Shahjahanabad to the Master Plan: A.K. Jain Reflects on the Evolution of Delhi’s Urban Planning
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