17 Oct 2023

Atmosphere Realty Pvt. Ltd., a consortium of The Wadhwa Group, Man InfraConstruction Limited, and Chandak Group, has obtained the Occupation Certificate (OC) for towers ‘D’ and ‘E’ in its 'Atmosphere O2' project at Mulund. The consortium has received the OC 15 months ahead of schedule. This is attributed to guidance from Japanese Conglomerate Marubeni which is also involved in the project. This achievement reflects a commitment to quality construction and customer satisfaction in the real estate sector. The 'Atmosphere O2' project spans 5.13 acres with up to 85% open spaces emphasizing on green spaces and Wadhwa’s focus on natural light and ventilation in each residence. The project offers 20+ amenities, a spacious clubhouse, and good connectivity.Read more

17 Oct 2023

The Bombay Development Directorate (BDD) chawls redevelopment project now has a revised completion date of 2026, following a recent site visit by MHADA vice-chairman Sanjeev Jaiswal. The project encompasses three locations, including NM Joshi Marg, Naigaon, and Worli, spanning 12 acres. Originally constructed by the British over a century ago, the chawls consist of 160 square feet houses with shared restroom facilities. The redevelopment plan aims to provide tenants with 500 square foot homes, attached toilets, and numerous amenities in high-rise towers. Despite challenges and criticism, this ambitious project signifies a positive step towards modernizing the historic chawls and enhancing housing conditions in the area.Read more

17 Oct 2023

In a significant development, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has approved the allocation of ownership flats to over 4,700 government employees residing in Bandra (East), Mumbai's government colony. This decision, following a meeting chaired by Shinde, aims to optimize land use by redeveloping the sprawling 90-acre colony. Roughly 10 acres will be designated for a slum rehabilitation scheme, benefitting both slum dwellers and government employees in Class II and III categories. Additional ownership flats will be provided to Class IV employees within the 12 buildings slated for redevelopment. While facing some criticism, this proactive approach addresses Mumbai's housing challenges and promotes equitable urban development.Read more

17 Oct 2023

The Children Welfare Centre (CWC), a prominent educational institution in Mumbai's western suburbs, is facing investigation over the alleged misuse of land plots leased to them by the BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). Accusations include sub-leasing to a national school chain, charging excessive fees, unauthorized constructions, and Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) violations. An MLA has filed a complaint, urging the cancellation of permissions granted to CWC. Preliminary inspections revealed unauthorized construction and other concerns on CWC properties. CWC's principal has refuted the allegations, insisting their educational expansions adhere to lease terms.Read more

17 Oct 2023

Macrotech, operating under the Lodha brand, has entered into a significant developmental agreement for a slum rehabilitation project in Mumbai's Worli district, valued at Rs 359.48 crore. As part of the state government's slum rehabilitation initiative, Macrotech will handle the free-sale component while reserving the rehabilitation segment for approximately 172 slum residents. The land spans 85,153 square feet, with a Floor Space Index (FSI) approval of 5.172. The Lodha Group and Sattadhar Constructions will equitably share net revenue from the sale of constructed flats. This reflects the surge in slum redevelopment projects in Mumbai, driven by social and economic imperatives and offering developers additional FSI rights to construct premium residential complexes within the same area.Read more

14 Oct 2023

Deepak Kesarkar, Mumbai's Guardian Minister, has unveiled an ambitious plan to transform part of the Mahalaxmi Race Course into a sprawling amusement park, coexisting with the iconic racecourse. The proposal includes a "Mumbai Eye" observation wheel and improved access via the Coastal Road. The innovative concept aims to make the area accessible to a wider audience while preserving the legacy of the racecourse. Kesarkar's vision promotes community engagement, inclusivity, and adaptability to changing urban dynamics. Additionally, plans for day care centres for senior citizens and battery-operated mini buses in the Byculla Zoo further enhance the recreational and inclusive aspects of the project, ensuring its continued relevance and vibrancy.Read more

14 Oct 2023

Aaditya Builders, a real estate development company, is facing legal action as Borivali police pursue a case against them for alleged fraudulent activities involving chartered accountant Harshit Kadhi. Kadhi claims that despite paying Rs1.1 crore, the builders failed to deliver the promised 941 sq ft flat in a Borivali West redevelopment project. The dispute began in January 2018, with Kadhi initially presented with a promising plan. However, he faced delays and threats from the builders, prompting him to seek legal recourse. On October 9, a case was registered against Aaditya Builders for breach of trust and fraud, highlighting the importance of diligence and transparency in real estate transactions and the role of the legal system in addressing such disputes.Read more

14 Oct 2023

In Navi Mumbai, slum dwellers and Project Affected Persons (PAPs) are resisting the state's Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) scheme. The scheme, aiming to provide proper housing for around 50,000 slum dwellers, faces opposition from PAPs demanding their sold lands back. Slum dwellers, like those in Ramnagar, express concerns about losing homes while PAPs say that they sold their lands for very little compensation. A biometric survey in September triggered political tensions, with Shiv Sena accusing BJP's Ganesh Naik of interference. PAPs formed the Zameen Haq Samiti, holding meetings to raise awareness and planning objections and a potential PIL.Read more

14 Oct 2023

The Maharashtra state government's delay in reclaiming a 6,063-sq-ft plot of land, allocated to the Madhya Pradesh Mitra Charitable trust (MPMCT) in Goregaon, has raised concerns. Despite the state's directive to revoke the allotment due to irregularities and subleasing, neither MHADA has taken action nor regained control of the property housing the Vibgyor High School. The housing department's inquiry in 2022 acknowledged irregularities but no progress has been made. The delay has prompted questions about the government's ability to reclaim the land and resolve the longstanding dispute surrounding the school's premises.Read more

14 Oct 2023

The Bombay High Court is set to determine the future of the iconic Mehta Mahal, a 56-year-old commercial building, as it deliberates over civic guidelines for unsafe structures. A 2021 expert panel report by BMC on the building's structural stability has sparked a legal battle. While BMC permitted repairs based on its technical advisory committee's advice, one of the property owners, Drishti Hospitality, is advocating for demolition. The case not only concerns Mehta Mahal's fate but also raises significant questions about the enforceability of local body guidelines. The next hearing is scheduled for November 2, 2023.Read more

14 Oct 2023

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is facing widespread resistance to its proposed open space adoption policy, with nearly 75 objections and suggestions from political parties, activists, and citizens. The policy, which excludes parks and gardens, has drawn criticism for being a rehashed version of old ideas. Concerns arise over the 51 privately controlled plots, with allegations of commercial exploitation, even by politicians. A contentious clause in the policy suggests BMC would compensate 'caretakers' 50% of the cost of constructions on these plots, a move fervently opposed by activists who argue the illogicality of paying for public land. Activists assert BMC's responsibility in preserving essential open spaces for Mumbai's citizens.Read more

14 Oct 2023

Viacom18 Media, a division of Reliance Industries, secures a significant five-year lease for 4.1 lakh square feet of prime office space in Mumbai, with an initial monthly rent of Rs 7 crore. The company will occupy nine floors in Prabhadevi's 'One International Centre.' A noteworthy detail is a 12-month rent-free period. The monthly rent increases by 4.5% annually from the second year, reaching nearly Rs 8 crore in the final year. The lease's terms bind both landlord and tenant. A security deposit of Rs 41.8 crore further solidifies this strategic alliance.Read more

14 Oct 2023

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has prohibited CIDCO, the planning authority for Navi Mumbai, from leasing a 25,000 sq.m. plot near the NRI Colony at Seawoods in Nerul for development. This decision follows protests by local residents and activists opposing CIDCO's auction plans for the environmentally sensitive area. NGT's order prohibits construction in Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) areas so as to preserve the ecology and habitats, including mangroves and flamingo roosting sites. The ruling allowed designation of a part of the plot for a garden and social facilities.Read more

13 Oct 2023

In a Bombay High Court ruling, a builder has been directed to pay transit rent for a flat involved in an ownership dispute and subsequently vacate the property. The man's sister had contested the ownership of the flat. The court clarified that transit rent should be paid to the person being displaced from the premises and that disputes over property titles do not impact the payment of transit rent. This judgement modifies a previous order and emphasizes the importance of adhering to established legal principles regarding transit rent and property possession in redevelopment cases.Read more

13 Oct 2023

The Bombay High Court has called for granting the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) and the state government broad powers to evict unauthorized occupants from SRA flats due to concerns about illegal transfers and profiteering. The court highlights the need to protect the 10-year ownership restriction on these flats and the importance of preventing the trafficking of rehab tenements to address Mumbai's affordable housing crisis. It's also examining a case in Malad (E) where allottees are seeking rental dues, shedding light on a wider issue of unauthorised transfers and subletting.Read more

13 Oct 2023

Godrej Properties has unveiled the Taj The Trees hotel in Mumbai’s evolving Vikhroli neighbourhood. This luxury hotel, owned by Godrej Properties and managed by Indian Hotel Companies Limited (IHCL), spans 0.35 million square feet, offering 151 spacious rooms, dining options, a rooftop bar, pool, conference facilities, and a spa. The establishment has earned IGBC Platinum certification and offers captivating views of mangroves and an art and sculpture park. Vikhroli’s strategic location along the Eastern Express Highway connects it to various parts of Mumbai, including airports, making it an attractive destination for both business and leisure travellers.Read more

12 Oct 2023

The Bombay High Court has lifted the Enforcement Directorate's (ED) attachment on two flats in the dilapidated Opera House building, Hari Niwas, paving the way for its redevelopment. The building owners, Kirti Hansraj Kothari and family, offered fixed deposit receipts to replace the attachment, citing the urgent need for redevelopment. The ED's money laundering case was linked to a CBI case against M/s ABC Cotspin Private Limited. The court accepted the offer, allowing the property owners to furnish fixed deposit receipts, and upon compliance, the attachment will be lifted, facilitating the redevelopment of the 5-storey structure.Read more

12 Oct 2023

NSDL has purchased a 68,000-square-foot office space in Mumbai's BKC Complex from IDFC First Bank for approximately Rs 198 crore. The property, located in Naman Chambers, will serve as NSDL's new headquarters starting in early 2024. This acquisition allows NSDL to expand its operational infrastructure in the competitive BKC micro-market. The BFSI sector has seen significant growth in office space demand, with major firms, both domestic and global, increasing their presence. In the first half of 2023, BFSI occupiers leased approximately 3.6 million square feet, indicating a positive outlook for the sector.Read more