Hyderabad: To safeguard temple land parcels within the state from encroachments, the govt has decided to take up a survey of the said land parcels. As part of the new initiative, a specialised plan has been formulated to carry out a Differential Global Positioning System (DGPS) survey of temple lands.This process will include the digitisation of the lands and the creation of boundary maps.The digitisation of temple lands is expected to assist in identifying encroachments and ensuring legal protection. Land surveys will be executed utilising DGPS technology, in conjunction with GPS, Electronic Total Station (ETS), and CAD software. Officials have indicated that this will facilitate the development of precise maps. Upon completion of the survey, the details and boundary maps of the temple lands will be accessible online. If successful, this survey will represent a significant achievement in the protection, digitisation, and determination of legal rights concerning temple lands in Telangana. The govt has initially identified three districts for the DGPS survey. A pilot project will be implemented in the districts of Nalgonda, Rangareddy, and Hyderabad-Secunderabad. These districts have experienced considerable encroachments on temple land parcels, which has prompted govt intervention through the survey. To curb temple land encroachments, the govt previously allocated land for temple rituals. Records show that 87,235.39 acres have been allocated to temples in the state. The income from leasing these lands is used for temple rituals. Endowments department oversees temple protection and land conservation. However, land protection responsibilities have been assigned to assistant commissioners and executive officers.Due to a shortage of personnel, each officer is responsible for two to three mandals. Lack of proper supervision has led to allegations of land encroachments.Mahabubnagar district has recorded the highest level of encroachment, with 3,018.01 out of 5,522.22 acres occupied. Medchal district follows in second place, with 2,888.18 out of 4,125.03 acres encroached. Hyderabad district ranks third, with 2,374.25 out of 5,718.01 acres occupied.