Introduction
In a world where technology is transforming every aspect of life, land management and property record systems are no exception. The Dishank app is a shining example of how digital tools can make land information accessible, transparent, and reliable for the public. Developed by the Karnataka State Government’s Survey, Settlement and Land Records (SSLR) Department, Dishank helps citizens easily find and verify land details using their smartphones.
This initiative brings together geo-spatial data, survey maps, and public records into one easy-to-use mobile platform. Whether you are a farmer, property buyer, real estate agent, or government officer, Dishank serves as a valuable tool to locate and verify land boundaries accurately.
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What Is Dishank App?
Dishank is a mobile-based Geographic Information System (GIS) application designed to help users identify and access land-related details in Karnataka. The app uses geo-referenced cadastral maps—digital maps that show property boundaries and survey numbers—linked with real-time GPS coordinates.
In simple terms, it allows users to stand on a piece of land, open the app, and instantly find the survey number, village name, hobli, taluk, and other related details of that location.
The name “Dishank” itself comes from two Kannada words: ‘Disha’ meaning direction and ‘Ank’ meaning number. Together, it symbolizes “a tool that gives land information with direction and accuracy.”
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Objectives of the Dishank App
The main goal behind developing the Dishank app is to make land information easily accessible and transparent for everyone. Some of its key objectives include:
1. Easy Access to Land Records:
Citizens can instantly check land details without visiting government offices or survey departments.
2. Reducing Land Disputes:
By providing accurate survey maps and boundaries, Dishank helps prevent and resolve property disputes.
3. Transparency in Land Ownership:
Public access to land data ensures accountability and prevents fraudulent land transactions.
4. Support for Development Projects:
Government agencies and planners can use the app to identify land parcels for roads, buildings, or infrastructure projects.
5. Promoting Digital Governance:
It supports the Digital India initiative by enabling e-governance and improving efficiency in land administration.
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Features of Dishank App
The Dishank app offers several powerful and user-friendly features that make it stand out among other land record applications:
1. GPS-Based Land Identification:
The app uses your phone’s GPS to pinpoint your location and show the corresponding survey number on the map.
2. Cadastral Maps Display:
It provides detailed cadastral (village-level) maps showing land parcels, survey boundaries, and neighboring plots.
3. Search by Location or Survey Number:
Users can either manually enter a survey number or simply select their location on the map to get details.
4. Offline Map Access:
Some map data can be accessed even without an active internet connection, which is especially useful in rural areas.
5. Integration with Bhuvan and Bhoomi Platforms:
Dishank is integrated with the ISRO’s Bhuvan portal and Karnataka’s Bhoomi project, ensuring updated and verified data.
6. Multi-Language Support:
The app is available in both English and Kannada, making it accessible to a wider audience.
7. Property Verification:
Users can verify whether the land parcel matches government records, reducing the chances of fraud.
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How to Use the Dishank App
Using the Dishank app is simple and does not require any technical expertise. Follow these steps:
1. Download the App:
Go to the Google Play Store and search for “Dishank.” Download and install the app developed by the Karnataka State Remote Sensing Applications Centre (KSRSAC).
2. Enable GPS:
Turn on your mobile GPS to allow the app to detect your location accurately.
3. Select Your Region:
Choose your district, taluk, hobli, and village from the drop-down menu.
4. Locate the Land:
Either enter a survey number or simply tap on the map where the land is located.
5. View Land Details:
The app will display details such as:
Survey number
Land type (agricultural/non-agricultural)
Owner information (in some cases)
Boundaries and area of the plot
6. Check Map Layers:
Users can toggle between satellite imagery and cadastral maps for better visualization.
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Benefits of Using the Dishank App
1. Time-Saving:
Citizens no longer need to visit the Taluk or Survey office to get basic land details. Everything is available at their fingertips.
2. Transparency and Trust:
Dishank promotes transparency in property dealings and builds trust among buyers and sellers.
3. Accurate Boundary Information:
The integration of satellite imagery and GPS ensures precise boundary identification.
4. Useful for Government Officials:
Surveyors, engineers, and planners can use the app for quick reference in field operations.
5. Supports Farmers and Rural Citizens:
Farmers can verify the exact extent and survey numbers of their agricultural lands with ease.
6. Reduces Corruption:
With direct public access to verified data, the chances of manipulation or bribery in land dealings decrease.
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Integration with Other Digital Initiatives
Dishank is not a standalone tool—it complements Karnataka’s larger digital land record initiatives. It works in coordination with:
Bhoomi Portal: Provides ownership, mutation, and RTC (Record of Rights, Tenancy, and Crops) data.
Kaveri Online Services: Facilitates property registration and encumbrance certificate downloads.
Bhuvan (ISRO): Offers satellite imagery for accurate geo-referencing of land parcels.
This integration ensures that all land-related data remains consistent, up-to-date, and authentic.
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Challenges and Limitations
While Dishank is a great innovation, it still faces certain challenges:
1. Internet Connectivity:
Some rural areas lack stable internet connections, limiting real-time data access.
2. Data Updates:
Maps and records must be updated regularly to reflect new surveys, ownership changes, or government notifications.
3. User Awareness:
Many rural citizens are still unaware of the app or do not know how to use it effectively.
4. Privacy Concerns:
Some people worry about their land information being publicly visible, which needs proper data protection measures.
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Future Improvements
The government is continuously working to enhance the Dishank app by:
Adding real-time RTC integration
Enabling land parcel ownership display
Introducing 3D mapping for urban land
Providing voice-based assistance in multiple languages
These updates will make the app even more accurate, transparent, and user-friendly.
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Conclusion
The Dishank app marks a major leap forward in digital land governance in Karnataka. By combining GPS, cadastral mapping, and open data, it empowers citizens to find land details instantly, reducing dependency on middlemen and minimizing corruption.
For anyone dealing with land—whether a farmer, buyer, official, or planner—Dishank offers a fast, transparent, and reliable way to access information. It represents a crucial step toward a digitally empowered society where every citizen can verify and protect their land rights with confidence.
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