06 Jan 2026

The Supreme Court has directed the Uttarakhand government to submit a detailed report identifying illegal constructions on forest land across the state. The court flagged long-standing administrative lapses and raised concerns over unchecked encroachments, particularly in areas around Rishikesh. It has sought precise information, including site plans and land details, while reiterating restrictions on further construction. The matter forms part of a suo motu case examining how notified forest land was gradually occupied despite repeated warnings and existing legal safeguards.Read more

06 Jan 2026

India has commissioned Samudra Pratap, the first pollution control vessel designed and built entirely within the country for the Indian Coast Guard. Constructed by Goa Shipyard Limited, the vessel strengthens India's ability to respond to marine pollution, fire incidents and maritime emergencies across its coastline and Exclusive Economic Zone. With over 60% indigenous content, the ship supports pollution response, surveillance, search and rescue, and maritime law enforcement. The induction reflects steady progress under the Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat programmes.Read more

06 Jan 2026

The Madhya Pradesh government has allotted six commercial plots in Sector 7 of Pithampur under its land pooling scheme, marking another step toward planned industrial and commercial development in the region. The allotments aim to promote organised growth, attract private investment and strengthen Pithampur's position as a key industrial hub. Officials said the land pooling model helps ensure transparent land aggregation while providing landowners with a share in the development benefits. The move is expected to support commercial activity linked to nearby industrial units and generate employment, while also improving infrastructure utilisation and urban planning outcomes in the rapidly expanding Pithampur area.Read more

06 Jan 2026

Union Power Minister Manohar Lal carried out a detailed review of major hydropower projects in Jammu and Kashmir during a two-day visit in the past week. The inspection covered ongoing works at Salal, Pakal Dul, Kiru, Kwar, Sawalkot, Dulhasti and Ratle projects across Reasi, Ramban and Kishtwar districts. NHPC was asked to accelerate sediment removal at Salal, while clear commissioning timelines were set for Chenab Valley projects. The visit also included interactions with workers and local residents and a plantation drive at project sites.Read more

Bangalore News Desk

06 Jan 2026

Five sub-registrars in Bengaluru have been suspended after an investigation uncovered a significant property registration scam involving irregularities in the sale deed process. The action follows complaints about fraud and manipulation of land records, which prompted an internal probe by registration authorities. Preliminary findings indicate that improper issuance of documents and procedural lapses may have facilitated adulteration of records, leading to potential revenue loss and compromised property titles. The suspensions are intended to uphold the integrity of the registration system and restore public confidence. Authorities have launched further inquiry and are reviewing cases handled by the suspended officials to identify affected transactions and safeguard buyer interests.Read more

06 Jan 2026

Residents near Haware City in Thane have expressed concern over the operations of a Ready Mix Concrete (RMC) plant, claiming it runs beyond permitted hours and causes severe dust and noise pollution. They reported fine particulate matter covering homes and streets, affecting daily life and raising health concerns, especially for children and the elderly. Despite multiple complaints to the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board and Thane Municipal Corporation, residents say enforcement has been slow. A public interest litigation has been filed, demanding immediate inspection and strict compliance with environmental norms.Read more

Gurugram News Desk

06 Jan 2026

Residents and environmental groups in Gurgaon have urged the Indian government to pursue UNESCO Biosphere Reserve status for the Aravalli hills, highlighting the need for long-term ecological protection. Organized by the Aravalli Bachao Citizens Movement (ABCM), the initiative emphasized restoring the entire 76,000 sq km range rather than limiting protection based on narrow landform definitions tied to mining. Attendees also demanded halts to mining and construction, stricter emission norms, free public transport, and higher taxes on private vehicles to support sustainable mobility. Discussions included recent Supreme Court decisions on hill classification and ongoing conservation challenges.Read more

Noida News Desk

06 Jan 2026

The Noida Authority has ended a five year ban on issuing occupancy certificates (OCs), property registries, and sales approvals for completed apartments in the Sports City housing projects in Sector 150. The move follows a Supreme Court directive to grant conditional OCs for projects that meet regulatory requirements. The board meeting cleared pending issues, issued conditional certificates to projects that settled dues, and initiated approval of revised master plans. Thousands of homebuyers who faced delays in possession and documentation now have a pathway to complete property registration.Read more

06 Jan 2026

Goa's town and country planning (TCP) department has approved the conversion of over 35,000 sqm of orchard and natural cover into settlement zones across Calangute, Anjuna, Parra, Aldona, and parts of Bardez taluka. The 15 proposals, cleared under Section 39A of the Goa Town and Country Planning Act, include ecologically sensitive areas and require inputs from forest, water resources, and coastal authorities. Stakeholders have 30 days to raise objections before the TCP forwards its recommendations to the state government. The approvals follow recent land use revisions amid growing development pressure.Read more

Mumbai News Desk

05 Jan 2026

Residents of Jogeshwari West are actively urging candidates in the upcoming civic elections to address the ongoing noise pollution from the Hindu Hriday Samrat Balasaheb Thackeray flyover. The flyover, partially open since 2015 and running close to homes, exposes locals to constant traffic noise. Despite repeated appeals to the civic body and a legal notice sent to the BMC commissioner, no noise barriers have been installed. Residents are now focusing on candidates who commit to resolving this issue along with other civic concerns like potholes, water supply, and sewage.Read more