Bhu Bharathi Portal 2025: The launch of the Bhu Bharati portal by the Telangana government was a significant step towards providing a user-friendly and transparent online land records management platform. The portal was inaugurated on 14th April 2025 by Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy. From the former Dharani portal, this is now believed to be more efficient and citizen-friendly.
Reasons for Starting the Bhu Bharati Portal
The Bhu Bharati portal was formally inaugurated at Shilpa Kala Vedika in Hyderabad, commemorating the great champion of social justice, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, on his 135th birth anniversary. The Bhu Bharati portal was initially launched as a pilot project in four mandals- Khammam, Mulugu, Kodangal, and Kamareddy; the government intends to cover it across Telangana state by June 2nd, 2025, the foundation day of the state of Telangana.
The new system under the Telangana Bhu Bharathi (Records of Rights in Land) Act, 2025, replaces the Dharani portal, which was inaugurated by the previous BRS government in 2020. The objective of the Dharani portal was to put in place a single-window facility for land record transactions. Dharani, however, lost credibility due to the length of time it took to complete transactions, complexity, and its degree of transparency.
Features of the Bhu Bharati Portal
The Bhu Bharati portal is designed to eliminate bureaucratic hurdles and ensure smooth land transactions. Here’s what makes it stand out:
- Simplified Application Process – Unlike Dharani’s 33 complex modules, Bhu Bharati operates on just 6 modules, reducing errors and rejections.
- Real-Time SMS Notifications – Landowners receive instant updates on application status, ensuring transparency.
- Restored Pahani Records – Historical land records from the 1950s have been revived with 11 critical details, including ownership and survey numbers.
- Drone-Based Land Surveys – Advanced Geo Mapping ensures accurate boundary demarcation, minimizing disputes.
- No Hidden Land Records – Unlike Dharani, which allowed sensitive details to be concealed, Bhu Bharati ensures full visibility for authorized users.
How Bhu Bharati Solves Dharani’s Shortcomings
The Dharani portal, despite its intentions, created challenges:
- Complex 33-Module System – Farmers struggled to navigate the portal, leading to errors.
- Delayed Grievance Redressal – Complaints took months to resolve.
- Hidden Land Records – Critical details were often obscured, causing disputes.
The Bhu Bharati Act addresses these issues by:
- Digitizing 18 lakh acres of disputed (Part-B) lands – Ensuring rightful ownership and access to Rythu Bandhu benefits.
- Introducing Land Tribunals – Offering free legal aid to farmers in disputes.
- Legalizing Pre-2014 Land Sales – Validating older transactions to prevent future conflicts.
The Legacy of Bhu Bharathi
This isn’t the first time Bhu Bharathi has been introduced. In 2004, the UPA government piloted a similar initiative in the Nizamabad district. Now, the Telangana Congress government has revived and expanded it under the Bhu Bharati Act, 2025.
Who Benefits from Bhu Bharathi?
| Stakeholder | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Farmers | Secure land rights, hassle-free transactions. |
| Landowners | Protection against illegal possession. |
| Government Officials | Faster processing with accurate records. |
| General Public | Transparent land dealings, no hidden data. |
Will Bhu Bharati Truly Transform Land Management?
While the Bhu Bharati Act promises a more efficient and fair system, its success depends on proper implementation. The government’s commitment to transparency and digitization is commendable, but only time will tell if it delivers on its promises.