Citizens For Democracy Goa has asked the state government to suspend the NAKSHA land-survey inquiry process in Margao and Cuncolim, alleging that the proposed schedule does not allow enough time for property owners’ documents and objections to be properly examined.
In a memorandum submitted to the Chief Minister by email on July 6, the group said the Directorate of Settlement and Land Records had issued notices requiring owners to appear before inquiry officers with title documents between July 16 and August 14 for the preparation of Urban Property Cards.
The group’s memorandum was signed by former bureaucrat Elvis Gomes.
Citizens For Democracy Goa said Margao has about 24,482 properties and Cuncolim about 18,545, placing more than 43,000 properties within the 30-day inquiry period. It argued that the proposed exercise would leave inadequate time for scrutiny of title documents, objections and findings.
“The public notices require property owners to appear before Inquiry Officers with title documents between July 16, 2026, and August 14, 2026, to prepare new ‘Urban Property Cards,’” the group said.
It described the timeline as a “20-Seconds mockery,” arguing that an inquiry officer would have to handle an impractical number of properties each day if all cases were to be completed within the stated period.
The group also questioned the legal basis cited for the exercise, referring to Sections 14 and 85 of the Goa Land Revenue Code, 1968. It said clarification was needed on how Urban Property Cards would relate to existing land records, including Form I and XIV, PT sheets, Chalta records and registered conveyances.
The public notice for Panaji Municipal Council, Panaji, Cujira and Panaji urban areas states that the inquiry is being conducted under the Goa Land Survey of Urban Habitations Rules, 2025, and asks holders and owners of land to submit relevant ownership documents. The notice is dated July 2 and carries reference No. D.S.L.R./DILR/NAKSHAunderDILR/PM/977/2024-Vol-1/209, dated July 2, 2026.
Citizens For Democracy Goa has sought a review committee comprising legal experts, Bar members, Revenue Department officials, farming-community representatives and civil-society members. It has also called for more inquiry officers, a revised timeline, legal clarification on Urban Property Cards and public consultation before the exercise proceeds.
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