The West Bengal government is set to launch a comprehensive statewide survey of government-vested land to identify encroachments and reclaim illegally occupied plots, officials said on 2 October 2026. The exercise, led by the West Bengal Land Records & Survey Directorate under the state land and land revenue department, aims to establish the precise boundaries and actual possession status of government-vested land parcels across the state.

What the Survey Entails

According to senior department officials, the survey will determine the exact boundaries of each government-vested land parcel, distinguishing between plots that remain in state possession and those that have been encroached upon — either by individual occupiers or institutional encroachers over extended periods. The directorate has already floated a Request for Proposal (RFP) to appoint a specialised agency to execute the work.

For accuracy, the department will deploy Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) technology, ensuring precise demarcation. The state government has set a deadline of six months to complete the survey.

Permanent Boundary Markers to Secure Reclaimed Land

Once encroached plots are identified and recovered, the state land and land revenue department plans to erect permanent poles or pillars along boundaries to maintain continuous state possession of reclaimed land. 'A decision had been taken to erect permanent poles or pillars along the boundaries to maintain the state government's occupation of the recovered land,' the department said in an official statement.

Why the Survey Is Being Conducted Now

Officials acknowledged that while records show substantial government-vested land holdings, there is significant ambiguity over what proportion is genuinely under state control. 'There are reports that vested land under the jurisdiction of several state government departments, which had been lying idle for years, was gradually encroached upon over a period of time either by individual encroachers or by institutional encroachers,' a senior department official said.

The timing of the survey is closely linked to the state government's new land policy, which seeks to attract large-scale industrial investments requiring extensive, contiguous land parcels at once. Notably, West Bengal has historically faced challenges around land availability for industrial projects, making the reclamation of encroached government land a strategically significant move.

Impact on Investment and Land Policy

The survey is positioned as a foundational step in the state's push to unlock idle land for big-ticket investments. By building an accurate, verified land bank, the administration aims to offer prospective investors clear, unencumbered plots. Once completed, the data is expected to make it easier for the administration to determine the exact location, size, and boundaries of available government-vested land. Industry observers note that clarity over land titles has long been a bottleneck in Bengal's investment pipeline.

With the RFP already floated and a six-month timeline set, the pace at which the agency is appointed and field surveys commence will be closely watched.