16 Jan 2026

The Chandigarh administration has announced plans to revamp the city's building bylaws to support industrial growth, attract investment and improve ease of doing business. The proposed overhaul aims to realign existing regulations, which largely focus on residential and commercial use, with the needs of industrial and manufacturing activities. Key changes will target faster approvals, clearer land-use planning, and updated norms for floor area, utilities and compliance. Officials said the revisions will reduce delays while maintaining safety, environmental and quality standards. Industry stakeholders have welcomed the move, noting it could unlock opportunities in industrial parks and logistics hubs. The administration plans stakeholder consultations before notifying the revised bylaws in the coming months.Read more

16 Jan 2026

A ready-mix concrete (RMC) plant in Powai, Mumbai, has received a formal notice from the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) for failing to comply with updated environmental and operational norms. Inspections revealed uncovered cement silos, lack of tyre-washing systems, poor sludge management, and non-functional dust suppression measures. The notice gives the operator 15 days to rectify all issues. This action is part of broader enforcement across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, reflecting the board's intensified efforts to ensure construction-related industries maintain environmental and public safety standards.Read more

16 Jan 2026

The Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court clarified that transferring industrial plots originally allotted by the Maharashtra Industries Development Corporation (MIDC) to third parties does not attract GST. The court followed a precedent from the Gujarat High Court, which had applied a 2017 central tax notification allowing a nil GST rate on long-term lease charges by state industrial development corporations. The ruling provides relief to businesses that had received GST recovery notices, ending confusion over tax liability on such plot transfers and ensuring consistent treatment of lease assignments in industrial zones.Read more

16 Jan 2026

Blue Coast Hotels Ltd and its promoter and whole-time director Kushal Suri have settled a case with the Securities and Exchange Board of India after paying a combined settlement amount of INR 89.3 lakh. The settlement relates to alleged violations of disclosure and accounting norms identified in the company's financial statements between FY19 and FY22. The action followed an examination report submitted by the National Stock Exchange, which highlighted several irregularities. SEBI's investigation found that the company failed to disclose a significant contingent liability linked to refunds for space buyers in its stalled Aerocity project. Following the settlement, SEBI has closed the adjudication proceedings, while reserving the right to take further action if required.Read more

16 Jan 2026

Bihar has accelerated its airport development by operationalising a dedicated civil aviation department to oversee regional aviation projects. Key airports such as Darbhanga, Raxaul, Muzaffarpur, and Purnia are seeing faster land acquisition, tendering, runway extensions, and new terminal constructions. At Darbhanga, the expanded runway and civil enclave terminal are progressing ahead of schedule, while Raxaul and Muzaffarpur await tenders for upgrades. These initiatives build on earlier efforts under the UDAN scheme and agreements with the Airports Authority of India to improve connectivity, tourism, and economic growth in the state.Read more

16 Jan 2026

Ghaziabad authorities have carried out a large demolition drive against illegal colonies built on the Yamuna floodplain, an ecologically sensitive zone protected under planning and flood management rules. Unauthorised structures, boundary walls and temporary buildings constructed without approvals were removed to restore the floodplain's natural function. Officials said such encroachments increase flood risks, disrupt drainage and damage river ecosystems that support groundwater recharge. The operation was conducted by civic bodies with support from development and environmental agencies. Authorities reiterated that the floodplain must remain free of permanent construction and warned against future violations. The action reflects stricter enforcement of land-use norms as cities balance urban growth with environmental protection and disaster resilience.Read more

16 Jan 2026

The Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) carried out a major demolition drive in Saraipalya, Thanisandra, removing over 60 structures including homes, godowns and garages. The authority said the action targeted unauthorised buildings on notified BDA land linked to the Arkavathi Layout project, claiming the land was acquired years ago and the constructions lacked valid approvals. The operation has triggered strong reactions from residents, many of whom say they hold e-Khata certificates, tax receipts and utility connections. The demolitions have caused distress and displacement, prompting calls for temporary relief and clarity on land records. The incident highlights ongoing challenges around urban growth, land ownership disputes and regulatory enforcement in rapidly expanding Bengaluru.Read more

15 Jan 2026

Residents of Chandigarh Housing Board (CHB) properties are set to benefit from relaxed building and compliance norms introduced through a 2023 urban development notification, now being implemented by civic authorities. The revised guidelines simplify rules related to permitted construction features, floor space use and minor alterations within existing plots. Aimed at reducing procedural hurdles, the changes address long-standing resident concerns while maintaining safety and planning standards. The updated framework offers clearer permissions for routine upgrades and modifications without requiring full redevelopment approvals. Authorities and housing board officials are working with residents associations to explain the new provisions. The move supports smoother residential management in established neighbourhoods and aligns regulations with modern living needs.Read more

15 Jan 2026

The Jaipur Municipal Corporation has stepped up enforcement against unauthorised development by sealing multiple buildings found to be in violation of construction and planning norms. The action targets structures that lacked required permissions or deviated from approved plans, reflecting civic authorities efforts to curb illegal construction and uphold urban regulations. Officials say the initiative aims to protect public safety, maintain orderly growth and ensure adherence to zoning and land-use norms in the rapidly expanding city. Residents and developers are being urged to secure proper approvals before undertaking construction. The sealing drive underscores heightened regulatory oversight of real estate development and compliance in Jaipur's urban areas.Read more

15 Jan 2026

Kanpur administration has intensified efforts to reduce accidents caused by dense fog on national highways. Streetlights have been rescheduled to improve early morning and night visibility, and illegally parked vehicles along highways are being removed to ensure smoother traffic flow. Public awareness campaigns under National Road Safety Month are educating motorists about safe driving in low visibility, including using reflective tapes on vehicles. Highway patrol teams are regularly inspecting streetlights and roads. These steps are part of ongoing measures to improve road safety amid persistent fog in the region.Read more