02 Jan 2025

The Haryana cabinet, led by CM Nayab Singh Saini, has reclassified Pataudi-Hailey Mandi and Farrukhnagar from 'low' to 'medium potential' zones under the Haryana Development and Regulation of Urban Areas Rules, 1976. This strategic move aims to spur economic growth and increase state revenue via higher development and license fees. While developers see this as an opportunity for modern projects and infrastructure improvement, residents express concerns about rising property costs and sustainability. Strategically located near Gurugram and key expressways, the zones are poised for growth, but balancing rapid urbanization with existing community needs remains a critical challenge.Read more

01 Jan 2025

Mumbai is preparing to open its first elevated forest walkway by New Year, with the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) overseeing the project. The 482-metre trail, situated on Malabar Hill, offers stunning views of the city and Girgaon Chowpatty. Despite challenges like protecting trees, difficult terrain, and limited working hours, over 90 per cent of the construction has been completed. The walkway, designed to minimise disruption to the environment, has been built with minimal concrete and includes special measures to protect British-era pipelines beneath it. The final phase is expected to be completed by the end of January.Read more

01 Jan 2025

Sri City, an integrated business hub in Andhra Pradesh's Tirupati district, is set to expand with an additional 2,000 acres allocated by the state government. Since its establishment in 2008, the industrial area has grown to host 220 companies from 30 countries, achieving USD 4 billion in exports and USD 4.5 billion in investments. With 95% of its 62,000 workforce from nearby villages, Sri City exemplifies community-focused industrial development. The expansion aligns with the government's goal of creating 20 lakh jobs over five years by fostering investments and industrial growth, solidifying Sri City's status as a model industrial hub in Asia.Read more

31 Dec 2024

India's Union Tourism Ministry recently announced that 76 projects have been sanctioned under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme, with a total allocation of INR 5,287.9 crore, out of which 75 projects are now physically complete. The Swadesh Darshan Scheme, aimed at the development of theme-based tourist circuits, was revamped as Swadesh Darshan 2.0 for the creation of sustainable tourist destinations. Additionally, under the PRASHAD Scheme, 48 projects worth INR 1,646.99 crore are in development, and 40 projects have been approved under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) scheme. As a result, India has seen a significant rise in international tourist arrivals and foreign exchange earnings in 2023.Read more

31 Dec 2024

Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently inaugurated the much-anticipated Ken-Betwa river linking project, aiming to transfer excess water from Madhya Pradesh's Ken River to Uttar Pradesh's Betwa, benefiting millions in the Bundelkhand region. The project, costing an estimated INR 44,605 crore, will provide drinking water to over 6 million people across two states and irrigate 1 million hectares of farmland. Additionally, it will generate 103MW of hydropower and 27MW of solar energy.Read more

30 Dec 2024

Switzerland-based Terminal Investment Ltd (TIL) will invest INR 20,000 crore in developing Maharashtra's Vadhvan port, in collaboration with the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA). A special purpose vehicle, Vadhvan Port Project Ltd (VPPL), jointly owned by JNPA (74%) and Maharashtra Maritime Board (26%), has been established for the project. Strategically located on the Arabian Sea, the port will enhance cargo efficiency, reduce logistics costs, and accommodate larger vessels. The initiative includes a skilling program for local youth and aligns with India's Sagarmala Project, emphasizing innovation, sustainability, and economic growth in the maritime sector.Read more

27 Dec 2024

The Gorakhpur Municipal Corporation (GMC) launched an anti-encroachment drive on 18th December, removing unauthorized structures on 1.55 acres of land around Khariya Pokhara. Despite public protests, the operation cleared permanent structures and boundary walls, paving the way for a planned beautification project. Officials cited a 1998 ruling confirming the land as part of the pond and dismissed fraudulent ownership claims. Future plans include parks and recreational spaces to enhance the area�s appeal. While the initiative garners mixed reactions, the GMC aims to balance redevelopment efforts with community engagement.Read more

27 Dec 2024

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has introduced stringent guidelines to combat air pollution in Mumbai, targeting emissions from construction activities and road dust. Key measures include banning wood as cooking fuel, prohibiting bonfires at construction sites, and deploying vigilance teams to enforce compliance. The Solid Waste Management Department will oversee dust control at construction sites, while engineers and supervisors are mandated to adhere to strict protocols. Building on earlier initiatives, the BMC�s action plan emphasises public awareness and collaboration to address urban pollution. These efforts aim to create a cleaner, sustainable environment, balancing the city�s development with public health priorities.Read more

26 Dec 2024

The World Bank has approved a USD 800 million loan to develop Amaravati, an ambitious new city in Andhra Pradesh, India. The funding will support the creation of a climate-resilient, well-managed urban growth center. Amaravati, expected to be part of a broader metropolitan region with Vijayawada and Guntur, will be designed to accommodate 3.5 million people by 2050. The project is set to attract significant private-sector investment and will focus on building sustainable infrastructure, including roads, public transport, and flood-mitigation systems. The World Bank is also working with the Asian Development Bank to finance the city's initial phase.Read more

26 Dec 2024

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) to inspect Noida's Okhla Bird Sanctuary for unauthorised construction following a petition alleging illegal activities, including permanent structures by the divisional forest officer. While NOIDA confirmed that a dismantled road project was discontinued, the tribunal ordered a detailed investigation to verify any ongoing violations. The MoEFCC representative must submit a report within eight weeks. This directive underscores the NGT's commitment to preserving ecologically sensitive areas like the sanctuary, a critical habitat for migratory birds, ensuring accountability and strict adherence to environmental protections.Read more