25 Jul 2023

Surat, the Indian city renowned for diamond cutting and polishing, now hosts the world's largest office building, the Surat Diamond Bourse. Overthrowing the Pentagon in size, this architectural marvel spans 7.1 million square feet. Constructed as a one-stop destination for over 65,000 diamond professionals, it offers a unique egalitarian design. With a sustainable blueprint that consumes 50% less energy than standard, it is poised to become the heart of Surat's 'Dream City,' a proposed smart city. This new landmark not only solidifies Surat's dominance in the diamond industry but also shines as an icon of sustainable architecture.Read more

24 Jul 2023

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced a novel automated online system for scrutinizing building plans and granting construction permissions. Developed with the Department of Digital Technology and Governance, it aims to streamline processes and reduce corruption in urban local bodies. Additionally, to address Shimla's water supply issue, a dam on the Giri River will be constructed, aimed at enhancing water management in the region. These developments mark significant strides in Himachal Pradesh's commitment to digitization and environmental resilience.Read more

24 Jul 2023

The GHMC has utilized the TDR scheme ingeniously, acquiring 1,923 properties for infrastructure projects. Through TDR certificates, property owners gain the right to construct additional built-up areas and can sell the certificates. GHMC's strategic use of TDRs saved Rs 4,832 crore in land compensation, streamlining urban development. TDRs were allocated to road widening, missing link roads, lake beautification, and more. While GHMC succeeded, other municipalities face challenges in adopting TDRs. GHMC's visionary approach sets a compelling example of transformative urban development.Read more

22 Jul 2023

The Yamuna River's swelling waters threatened the world-renowned Taj Mahal on July 17, as the water level reached its walls. However, officials from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) reassured the public that the monument's design would prevent water from seeping into its main structure. The architectural ingenuity of the Taj Mahal ensures that water cannot enter the main mausoleum even during high floods. In response to a previous flood incident in 1978, which caused damage to the monument, ASI implemented measures to prevent water intrusion. Fortunately, the current flood situation did not result in any water damage to the Taj Mahal's interior, thanks to its unique features and the surrounding garden acting as a buffer zone.Read more

22 Jul 2023

The Energy Efficiency Services Ltd (EESL) is supporting Andhra Pradesh's ambitious energy efficiency initiative, the 'Navaratnalu – Pedalandariki Illu' program, by providing cost-effective energy-efficient appliances to beneficiaries on a voluntary basis. The state housing department aims to make this program the largest energy efficiency initiative in the country, promoting sustainable development practices and reducing electricity bills for residents. The 'Jagananna Colonies' housing scheme too is making remarkable progress, with the state government providing loans and allocations for housing units and water supply.Read more

22 Jul 2023

The National Real Estate Development Council (NAREDCO) has launched its Delhi chapter to uplift and revitalize the city's real estate sector, which has faced development challenges due to various restrictions. The chapter aims to foster collaborations among stakeholders, promote transparency in building affordable housing through land pooling, and advance strategic infrastructure development. With existing chapters in several states, the addition of the Delhi chapter signifies a commitment to unlocking the city's growth potential and bringing positive transformations to its real estate landscape.Read more

21 Jul 2023

In a landmark move, the Maharashtra Government has officially handed the monumental Dharavi Redevelopment Project to the Adani Group. The Rs 20,000 crore project focuses on rebuilding the Dharavi slums, in close proximity to Mumbai's BKC business district. Adani Properties, after winning a competitive bidding process, has a seven-year timeframe to rehabilitate over 650,000 residents. This transformative project promises to reshape one of the world's most densely populated slums into a well-planned urban sector.Read more

21 Jul 2023

Maharashtra is set to transform its property registration system, integrating Unique Land Parcel Identification Number (ULPIN) with geographical mapping facilitated by rovers starting August 2023. This initiative, aimed at increasing precision and transparency in land measurements, will first roll out in Washim and Nandurbar before being introduced to all districts. This integration will provide citizens with detailed map-based geographical coordinates along with their property's ULPIN. This innovative move aligns with the central government's push for ULPIN or Bhu-Aadhaar integration in land governance across India.Read more

20 Jul 2023

The Maharashtra state government is taking steps to regularize slums on private lands within the state. The principal secretary of the urban development department has directed the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) to submit a proposal for land use change and acquisition of 58 notified slums. The government aims to grant ownership rights to slum-dwellers and resolve issues related to non-notified slums on private lands. The process of regularization is being streamlined in the proposed Smart City area, offering two options for plot and house regularization. This initiative has the potential to improve living conditions, provide security and stability to slum-dwellers, and enhance efficiency in the regularization process.Read more

20 Jul 2023

Bengaluru's civic body, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), has announced plans to extend its 'Road Reader' initiative, adding property tax data to the existing QR code system on street nameboards. This innovative measure is intended to boost awareness about property tax payments and enhance collection rates. BBMP's Special Commissioner (Finance) Jayaram Raipura said the initiative would "nudge defaulters" and promote civic duty, with a Rs 1.5 crore investment planned to expand the project.Read more