Hyderabad: Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy officially launched the Bhu Bharati portal on Monday, April 14, 2025, marking a significant shift in Telangana's land governance. The launch coincided with the 134th birth anniversary of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the architect of the Indian Constitution, and represents the Congress government's ambitious plan to replace the previous Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) government's Dharani portal.
The Bhu Bharati portal is designed to streamline land management processes and will initially be implemented on a pilot basis in three selected mandals: Thirumalagiri in Nalgonda, Sadasivapet in Medak, and Keesara in Rangareddy. The state government plans to roll out the system across the entire state by June 2, 2025, coinciding with Telangana's formation day.
In a high-level meeting preceding the launch, Chief Minister Reddy emphasized the need for a user-friendly interface, stating, "The portal should be supported by the latest and state-of-the-art technology to be useful for the next 100 years." He also directed officials to ensure robust cybersecurity measures, including firewalls to protect against potential cyberattacks. Reddy added that the management of the Bhu Bharati portal would be entrusted to a credible organization.
Revenue Minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy highlighted that the Bhu Bharati Act fulfills the government's promise to address land-related irregularities and ensure ownership protection. He stated, "This will be a referendum for the government in the next assembly election." The minister also mentioned that unlike the previous government, the Bhu Bharati portal was developed through consultations with farmers and experts, aiming for a more inclusive approach.
One of the significant changes with the Bhu Bharati portal is its streamlined structure, reducing the number of modules from 33 in the Dharani system to just six. This simplification aims to enhance user experience and make the portal more accessible to the general public, especially farmers, who have faced difficulties under the previous system.
Reddy also announced plans for a forensic audit of irregularities associated with the Dharani portal, promising accountability and justice for affected individuals. He stated, "A forensic audit will be conducted into irregularities committed under the earlier Dharani system, ensuring that justice is served and accountability is upheld." This is part of the government's broader effort to restore trust in the land management system.
During the launch event at Shilpakala Vedika, attended by Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka and other ministers, Reddy criticized the previous BRS government for the operational failures of the Dharani portal. He claimed that the earlier system was designed to benefit landlords and influential individuals while causing distress for farmers. "The Dharani portal was not beneficial to farmers," Reddy stated, emphasizing the need for a system that genuinely serves the public.
As part of the ongoing transition, the government is also implementing measures to educate the public about the new portal. Chief Minister Reddy urged revenue officials to conduct awareness programs in villages to inform citizens about the Bhu Bharati portal and its features. He said, "We should update it regularly. All the services should be made available on mobile apps too." This outreach aims to ensure that the public can effectively utilize the new system from the outset.
In addition to the launch of the portal, Reddy announced the introduction of the Bhudaar system, akin to the Aadhaar system, to comprehensively check land issues. He expressed his commitment to resolving long-standing land disputes and enhancing land security for the populace. The government is also set to deploy Village Revenue Officers (VROs) in all 10,956 villages by May 2025, further strengthening the revenue administration.
The Bhu Bharati portal is expected to offer a range of services, including registrations, mutations, appeals, revisions, ROR corrections, and information on encumbrances and land market values. This comprehensive approach aims to address the various needs of landowners and streamline the processes involved in land management.
As the pilot project unfolds, officials have been advised to gather feedback from users to make necessary modifications before the statewide rollout. Minister Reddy cautioned the public against overloading the portal immediately after its launch, warning that excessive traffic could lead to system disruptions. He stated, "The Chief Minister has instructed the police to take strict action against any attempts to deliberately sabotage the portal's functioning."
In summary, the launch of the Bhu Bharati portal marks a significant step towards modernizing land governance in Telangana. With a focus on user-friendliness, cybersecurity, and public consultation, the government aims to create a more efficient and equitable system for land management. As the pilot phase begins, the success of this initiative will be closely monitored, with the potential for broader implementation across the state in the coming months.
