Demarcation (nishandahi) is the step that turns the plot on paper into pegs on the ground. Every corner is located from the society's approved plan or, for revenue land, from the record, and marked so that your boundary wall and foundations go in the right place. A mistake of a few inches at this stage can mean a wall on your neighbour's land, a setback violation or a dispute that lasts years.
What's included
| Item | What it means |
|---|---|
| Document review | Checking the allotment letter, site plan, fard or registry against the plan to be used |
| Locating reference points | Finding fixed points such as road edges, survey markers or neighbouring demarcated corners |
| Setting out corners | Measuring and placing pegs or marks at each corner |
| Checking dimensions | Measuring frontage, depth and diagonals so the plot is square where it should be |
| Marking setbacks (optional) | Showing front and side setbacks for the architect and contractor |
| Report or sketch | A dated sketch with measured dimensions and the reference used |
When you need it
- After you get possession and before you start any work
- Before building or rebuilding a boundary wall
- When you buy an open plot and want to confirm what you are paying for
- When a neighbour has started construction and you want your line fixed first
Society plots: the society does the official demarcation
In a managed society, demarcation is normally the society's job. DHA Lahore's Building Control Branch does it in 7 days at no charge. Its page notes that "demarcation is valid for one month only in case construction activity has not commenced" (DHA Lahore Building Control). DHA also asks owners to build a septic tank and a temporary lavatory, as shown in the approved drawing, before field staff inspect. Other societies have their own rules, so ask your society office what it requires.
Because of that one-month validity, time the demarcation for when your contractor is ready to start. A private surveyor is often hired at the same time to check the pegs, record levels and hand the contractor a clear setting-out drawing.
Revenue land: demarcation through the revenue staff
For land outside societies, the boundary comes from the revenue record kept under the Punjab Land Records Authority. The fard records the land's details (PLRA FAQs). Official demarcation (hadbandi) of revenue land is done by revenue field staff on an application to the revenue office. A private surveyor can prepare an independent measurement first, so you know what to expect, and can attend the official demarcation as your technical representative.
Step-by-step process
- Collect documents: allotment letter and society site plan, or fard, registry and any old maps.
- Apply to the society (or revenue office) for official demarcation, if it applies to your land.
- Hire a surveyor to check or prepare the setting-out, and agree the deliverables in writing.
- Inform neighbours if pegs will be placed on a shared line.
- Site visit: corners are located, pegged and measured, including diagonals.
- Check on the spot: walk the line with the surveyor and your contractor.
- Get the sketch or report, dated and signed.
- Protect the pegs: cast them in concrete or mark them clearly until the wall goes up.
What affects the cost
There is no fixed private rate; get written quotes. Society demarcation charges are set by each society (DHA lists none for demarcation). For private work, cost depends on:
- Plot size and number of corners
- Whether reference points exist nearby
- Built-up surroundings that make measuring harder
- Equipment used (tape, total station, GPS)
- Whether a drawing and setback marking are included
- Attendance at an official or joint demarcation
Questions to ask the surveyor
- Which plan or record will you set out from?
- What equipment will you use, and how do you check accuracy?
- Will you measure diagonals and give me a dimensioned sketch?
- Can you mark setbacks for the architect's drawing?
- Who signs the report?
- What happens if your measurement does not match the society's pegs?
Red flags
- Pegs placed without reference to any plan
- Offers to "gain" a few feet by shifting a line
- No written sketch or report
- A surveyor who will not meet the society's or revenue staff on site
- Starting the boundary wall before the pegs are checked
FAQs
Can I build without demarcation? In most societies, no. Societies usually require their own demarcation before construction starts, and building without it risks wrong placement and penalties.
How long is demarcation valid? In DHA Lahore it is valid for one month if construction has not begun (DHA Lahore). Check your own society's rule.
What if the society's pegs and my surveyor disagree? Raise it with the society in writing before building. Share your surveyor's report and ask for a recheck.
Is a private survey the same as official demarcation? No. It is a technical check. For revenue land and society plots, the official demarcation is the one that counts.
Should my neighbour be present? It helps. Shared boundaries cause the most disputes, and agreement on the day prevents trouble later.
This page is general information; confirm with the relevant authority or a qualified professional before you act.
Sources
- DHA Lahore — Building Control — demarcation timeline, charges, validity, pre-inspection requirement
- PLRA — FAQs — fard as the land record