25 Jul 2025

Maharashtra's newly unveiled Housing Policy 2025 targets INR 70,000 crore in investments and aims to build 50 lakh homes over the next decade, with 35 lakh planned in five years. The policy focuses on slum rehabilitation, affordable housing, and urban sustainability-especially for EWS, LIG, MIG groups, industrial workers, and senior citizens. Affordable housing now enjoys infrastructure status, easing access to funding via ECB, FDI, and PSL. Key initiatives include redevelopment of old buildings, integrated townships, and the 'Walk to Work' model with dedicated MIDC housing zones. A INR 20,000 crore MahaAwas Fund and a state housing portal will further support implementation and transparency.Read more

25 Jul 2025

Rajasthan's revamped Township Policy sets a new course for eco-conscious and inclusive urban growth. It mandates parks and utility spaces, promotes rainwater harvesting and wastewater recycling, and emphasizes affordable housing for all segments especially EWS, LIG, and industrial workers. The policy also encourages vertical development and mixed-use planning, while developers are held accountable to maintain infrastructure. This vision aligns with feasibility studies for satellite towns and advances in renewable energy demonstrating a momentous move toward sustainable city planning without sacrificing essential services.Read more

25 Jul 2025

Punjab has revised its land-pooling policy to offer improved financial incentives, faster approvals, and wider inclusion of small landowners. Farmers now get INR 50,000 per acre upfront, INR 1,00,000 annually (with 10% hike for delays), and the option of both residential and commercial plots in return for contributed land. The updated policy applies to over 40,000 acres and assures no forced acquisition, no third-party interference, and full rights to farmers. Despite these changes, protests led by political and farmer groups continue, who claim the policy benefits developers at the cost of rural communities.Read more

25 Jul 2025

The Mysuru City Corporation (MCC) has proposed an upgrade to a Grade 1 city corporation, a strategic move to unlock greater development opportunities and secure more central and state government grants. This proposal follows the abandonment of a "Greater Mysuru" plan due to insufficient population. The upgrade, which involves merging surrounding municipal councils and town panchayats, aims to boost tourism, trade, and job creation in Mysuru. This would position the city similarly to Hubballi-Dharwad, Karnataka's second-largest corporation, reflecting a push for accelerated urban growth and improved infrastructure in the region.Read more

25 Jul 2025

Prayagraj has recently enforced new regulations making structural safety audits mandatory for all high-rise buildings exceeding 15 meters in height. Prompted by growing safety concerns and previous fire incidents, these structures will now require an initial audit ten years post-construction, followed by reviews every five years. Building owners, developers, or Resident Welfare Associations are responsible for promptly addressing any identified risks. Reconciliation may lead to authorities undertaking necessary repairs at the owners' expense, ensuring enhanced safety standards across the city.Read more

24 Jul 2025

The Supreme Court has issued strict orders to curb unauthorized construction in Chandni Chowk in Delhi, directing police to arrest violators and enforce demolition orders where no legal stay exists. Patrolling teams must now actively prevent illegal building work, while residential properties are barred from commercial conversion. The court warned against collusion between builders and municipal officials, citing a case where an elderly woman's home was affected by illegal construction. The Delhi Police commissioner and local DCP must submit a compliance report. Petitioners may also submit videos or photos of violations, enhancing oversight. These directives reinforce an earlier court order issued in May.Read more

24 Jul 2025

A CAG audit has uncovered serious lapses in Mumbai's building safety oversight, highlighting that only one of eight city divisions submitted a list of dilapidated structures. Even that list-from Kalachowki-was flawed, with 76 of 248 buildings already redeveloped or demolished. The report criticizes the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and MHADA's Mumbai Building Repairs and Reconstruction Board (MBR&RB) for failing to identify dangerous cessed buildings and relying on superficial inspections over structural audits. The MHADA Act mandates rigorous monitoring of these aging structures. In response, the government has directed MHADA engineers to obtain accurate building data from local ward offices to improve safety oversight.Read more

24 Jul 2025

The Telangana Real Estate Regulatory Authority (TGRERA) recently mandated Sandstone Infra (India) to refund INR 38 lakh to a homebuyer and pay an additional penalty of INR 9 lakh. This action, following an order issued last week, stemmed from the developer's failure to register its Medchal layout project and marketing plots without mandatory regulatory approval. TGRERA declared the firm a defaulter for violating the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, which strictly prohibits advertising or selling units in unregistered projects, underscoring the authority's commitment to ensuring transparency and protecting homebuyers' interests.Read more

24 Jul 2025

Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has installed real-time air-quality sensors at over 100 major construction sites to monitor dust pollution, specifically PM10 levels. Although these sensors frequently trigger alerts when pollution thresholds are breached, no penalties have been issued, as enforcement lies with the zonal estate department, which has yet to act. The Centre had supported AMC under the National Clean Air Programme after the city achieved a 40% drop in PM10 levels through greening, EV infrastructure, smart parking, and cleaner crematoriums. AMC also partnered with the Centre for Environment Education on awareness drives. Still, construction-related pollution remains poorly regulated despite the progress.Read more

24 Jul 2025

Following the Maharashtra cabinet's approval to merge civil areas of Pune and Khadki cantonments with the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), debate has sparked over Floor Space Index (FSI) norms for redevelopment. Currently capped at 0.5 in cantonment zones, proposed revisions to 1.0 still fall short of PMC's existing FSI range of 1.1 to 3.0. Residents and developers are urging clarity to ensure fair development post-merger. The process awaits final notification from the Centre and requires coordination among PMC, the Defence Ministry, and other agencies. The merger is part of a nationwide move to integrate cantonment civil areas with municipal bodies to streamline governance.Read more