07 Oct 2023

The Urban Planning Department in Chandigarh has raised concerns regarding the draft conversion policy for changing land use in industrial areas. They recommend assessing the demand for such conversions through an audit or survey. Concerns include incomplete conversions from industrial to commercial use and issues raised in the Chandigarh Master Plan regarding the compatibility of new land uses with old ones, urban design, infrastructure, and traffic bottlenecks. The department suggests implementing the MSME Act as an alternative, eliminating the need for a new conversion policy. Other challenges include addressing building violations and property misuse resulting from unauthorized conversions, possibly through one-time regularization.Read more

06 Oct 2023

Residents in Sector Alpha 2 of Noida are facing escalating issues concerning unattended construction and demolition (C&D) waste, compounded by ineffective waste management practices and inadequate waste segregation. Despite decisions made in a meeting convened by the Greater Noida Industrial Development Authority (GNIDA) to handle C&D waste, residents have reported a worsening situation, with garbage accumulating in various areas. The irregularity of door-to-door waste collection services has exacerbated the problem, leading to concerns about public health, including the potential spread of diseases like dengue and malaria. Residents have urged officials to conduct surprise inspections, prompting GNIDA to promise a response.Read more

06 Oct 2023

The Goa State Urban Development Agency (GSUDA) is initiating GIS mapping for urban areas in South Goa, appointing an agency to conduct a detailed survey for tax assessment, property mapping, and QR code generation. With an estimated cost of Rs 17 crore, the project targets municipalities like Canacona, Cuncolim, Sanguem, and others. GSUDA plans a door-to-door survey, assigning a Unique Property Identification Code (UPIC), integrating spatial data for tax assessment, and solid waste management. Urban development minister Vishwajit Rane assures similar mapping in South Goa, addressing revenue losses. The agency aids in database creation, linking photographs, and tax assessment.Read more

05 Oct 2023

The Uttarakhand Government has signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) worth Rs. 8,000 crore to develop ski destinations and ropeways, a move that is expected to boost the state's infrastructure and tourism sector. These MoUs were finalized during Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami's visit to London. The agreements include investments from Kyan Jet for a skiing resort and cable car project, Usha Breco for ropeway systems in Haridwar and other districts, the Poma group of France for Dehradun-Mussoorie and Yamunotri ropeways, and Mahindra Holiday and Resort India Limited for resorts. These investments total Rs. 11,000 crore and are expected to significantly increase tourist footfall while ensuring eco-friendly and sustainable development in the region.Read more

05 Oct 2023

After a three-year delay, the construction and demolition waste plant in Ludhiana is set to be constructed, with a tender of Rs 7.45 crore allocated. Civic officials have issued work orders and are expediting the necessary approvals to make the plant operational promptly. The project, initially under the smart city mission, faced obstacles and was later shifted to the Swachh Bharat Mission. The plant aims to address the city's construction waste issue, and officials anticipate a VIP inauguration soon. The construction is expected to take 3-4 months, with a toll-free number for waste disposal requests to be introduced.Read more

04 Oct 2023

Two-thirds of houses in Joshimath, Uttarakhand, need reconstruction due to land subsidence, reveals a report by a National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA)-led panel. The study found that 65% of homes have been affected, resulting in damage worth ?565 crore. Out of 2,152 houses, 1,403 require immediate attention. The report cites weak building material, inadequate reinforcement, and structural deficiencies as causes. The total cost of reconstruction is projected to be Rs 422 crore. The report advises a comprehensive construction ban until the end of the monsoon, with a post-monsoon assessment before allowing construction for lightweight structures.Read more

04 Oct 2023

Indore, renowned for being the cleanest city multiple times, clinched the title of 'Best Smart City' at the National Smart Cities Conclave 2023. The event celebrated achievements in urban development, awarding Gujarat's Surat the second position and Agra in Uttar Pradesh securing the third spot. Madhya Pradesh was recognized as the Best State, followed by Tamil Nadu, with Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh jointly securing the third position. President Droupadi Murmu commended the Smart Cities Mission for contributing to urban development. The Smart Cities Mission, promoting innovation and infrastructure development, has been a transformative initiative fostering global collaboration.Read more

03 Oct 2023

TIDEL Park Limited, a joint venture in Tamil Nadu, is fast-tracking the construction of a mega IT and ITES office space in Trichy, aiming to replicate the success of its Chennai counterpart. A consulting firm will be selected within a month to provide design and project management consultancy for the ambitious project, which will consist of two phases of premium office space near an integrated bus terminus. The project, supported by a significant government investment, is set to commence construction by March 2024 and is expected to address the growing demand for office spaces in the region.Read more

03 Oct 2023

In the 56th meeting of the Network Planning Group (NPG) under PM Gati Shakti, six infrastructure projects, totalling approximately 52,000 crore, were assessed, including four from road transport and two from Railways. The projects, part of the ongoing initiative, bring the total number assessed to 112, with a cumulative value of around 11.53 lakh crore since the launch of PM Gati Shakti. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways presented four road projects, while two railway projects were evaluated. Adherence to Gati Shakti principles and emphasis on multi-modality and socio-economic development were highlighted.Read more

30 Sep 2023

JSW Group, led by Sajjan Jindal, plans to establish a 3,000-acre industrial park in Salboni, Bengal, deviating from its initial plan of returning the land to the state government. The conglomerate's $23 billion business empire aims to attract domestic and international investors, promoting economic growth in the region. The shift follows changes in Bengal's land policies, prompting JSW to reconsider and maximize the land's potential for industrial diversity. This strategic move highlights JSW Group's commitment to fostering investment, job creation, and positive contributions to Bengal's development landscape.Read more