Plot-to-Plot BDS map set to begin in February

Land Minister Narayon Chandra Chanda announced on Sunday that the Plot-to-Plot Bangladesh Digital Survey (BDS) map would begin in February.

The BDS programme is gaining momentum in the country, according to the minister.

He made these remarks while inaugurating the 134th Survey and Settlement Training Course organized by the Land Record and Survey Department (DLRS) in Savar.

The course, which lasts for 51 days, is being attended by 51 officers from the Administration, Police, and Judicial Service, and is set to conclude in March.

Land Secretary Md. Khalilur Rahman was also present at the event.

The minister expressed his hope that, by the end of the following month, the BDS map-making process will commence in selected areas across the country, using advanced technologies such as satellite and drone surveys.

The selection of locations and the establishment of digital survey control points are currently underway in Chattogram and Narayanganj City Corporation, Manikganj Municipality, and Dhamrai Upazila.

Control-point selection has been completed in Manikganj and Narayanganj, with the selections in Chattogram and Dhamrai expected to be finalized this week.

The BDS operations will commence in Rajshahi and Kushtia next week.

The land minister mentioned that state-of-the-art survey drones, aircraft, GNSS, and ETS technology from South Korea will arrive by February 10 to support the digital surveys.

The BDS operation is being conducted with direct technical assistance from Korea, with an 18-member skilled workforce from Korea working on the project.

Responding to questions from journalists, the land minister outlined that another project is underway to create a digital land zoning map, which will ensure planned land use and the protection of agricultural land, wetlands, hills, and forests.

Upon implementation of the BDS, automation systems will be introduced, including land survey and network establishment within land management offices.

The ministry also mentioned that the establishment of a link between Mouza-map and record will allow landowners to easily view their records and plots online.