The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has launched a pilot drone-based survey of properties in two wards to improve property tax assessment and detect unlisted or under-assessed properties, officials said.
The first phase of the aerial survey covers Rohini F Ward in the Rohini Zone and Gharoli Ward in the Shahdara South Zone. The civic body aims to use the collected data to build a more accurate and integrated property database.
The survey combines drone imagery with GIS technology, LiDAR-based mapping, geo-tagging, artificial intelligence, and 3D digital modeling. This approach allows the MCD to map properties in greater detail and compare actual ground conditions with existing tax records.
The technology is expected to identify properties that have been incorrectly mapped or recorded multiple times. It will also detect additional floors and other constructions that may not have been included in existing records. The MCD can then compare the built-up area declared by property owners with the actual area captured during the survey.
The information will support property tax assessments based on built-up area, number of floors, and property usage. The integrated system is designed to reduce reliance on manual physical inspections and make it easier to spot discrepancies in property records.
Ward- and zone-level dashboards will help monitor discrepancies, issue notices, and track outstanding dues and tax recovery. Geo-tagged property data may also speed up grievance redressal.
The initiative aligns with the MCD’s broader efforts to expand its property tax base. During 2025-26, the civic body collected INR 3,116.62 crore in property tax, a 46.12% increase from INR 2,132.89 crore the previous year. The number of taxpayers rose to 13.52 lakh from 11.33 lakh.
Officials credited stronger enforcement, improved compliance, and the Property Tax Amnesty Scheme for the growth. Over 2.06 lakh taxpayers cleared dues under the scheme, including 1.11 lakh who paid property tax for the first time, contributing INR 448.89 crore.
For property owners, the MCD clarified that the drone exercise is a technological mapping and verification effort. The collected information will be used for property tax assessment and administrative purposes in line with applicable rules. The system also aims to reduce direct interaction between residents and civic officials while enhancing the accuracy of property records.
