Infrastructure

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CAQM intensifies measures to combat air pollution in NCR

PNT Bureau

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in the NCR has established a GRAP monitoring control room to oversee pollution control actions in Delhi and surrounding areas. In recent inspections, over 7,000 construction sites were assessed, resulting in environmental penalties for 597 sites and the closure of 56. To reduce dust pollution, the deployment of mechanized road sweeping machines, water sprinklers, and anti-smog guns has been enhanced. Additionally, significant enforcement actions have been taken against non-compliant vehicles and illegal dumping sites in an effort to manage municipal solid waste....

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BigBloc Construction doubles AAC manufacturing capacity with Wada plant expansion and new Gujarat facility

PNT Bureau

BigBloc Construction has completed phase II of its manufacturing plant in Wada, Maharashtra, doubling its capacity from 250,000 to 500,000 cubic metres of aerated autoclaved concrete (AAC) products. This expansion supports the growing demand for sustainable construction materials and aligns with India's green building goals. BigBloc is also installing a 625KW rooftop solar plant to reduce its carbon footprint. Additionally, the company is investing INR 65 crore in a new facility in Kheda, Gujarat, aiming to produce another 250,000 cubic metres of AAC annually. These moves highlight BigBloc's commitment to sustainability and its potential for growth in the construction materials sector....

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Uttar Pradesh opens registrations for Khurja Industrial Township to boost local industries

PNT Bureau

Starting 11 November, the UP government will open registrations for the Khurja Industrial Township in Bulandshahr, an 80-acre development designed to boost local industry and connect it to global markets. Located close to Noida Airport, this INR 430 crore project is set to support the "One District, One Product" (ODOP) initiative and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's vision for economic growth. With reserved plots for women and ODOP entrepreneurs, and extensive modern amenities, the township offers an ideal environment for small businesses to thrive....

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Ahmedabad's Sabarmati Riverfront to host mixed-use commercial hub as SRFDCL concludes major auction

PNT Bureau

After more than a decade of attempts, the Sabarmati Riverfront Development Corporation Ltd (SRFDCL) successfully auctioned development rights for a prime plot on the riverfront, raising INR 156.13 crore. A Mumbai-based real estate company won the bid, planning a mixed-use commercial building featuring offices, co-working spaces, and retail options. This landmark deal establishes a new land valuation benchmark in Ahmedabad. The plot will be leased for 99 years at a minimal rate, with construction expected to be completed within four years....

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Rajkot Municipal Corporation strengthens infrastructure through bond issuance

PNT Bureau

Rajkot Municipal Corporation has raised INR 100 crore through Municipal Bonds to enhance infrastructure and community services. The bond issue was oversubscribed by 4.95 times and holds an interest rate of 7.90% for five years. The corporation's credit rating improved from A- to AA+, attributed to significant financial reforms and improved governance. The proceeds will fund water supply and sewage infrastructure for newly merged areas. Additionally, the bond issuance will lead to greater transparency and enhanced internal controls within the corporation....

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Rajasthan: RIICO unveils new direct land allotment policy to boost industrial growth

PNT Bureau

RIICO has proposed a new set of rules for the direct land allotment in Rajasthan's industrial areas, aiming to simplify access and lower costs compared to land auctions. The draft allows land allotment to entrepreneurs and MSMEs with government MoUs at reserve prices in select areas, excluding saturated zones. Projects are evaluated based on investment, employment, and timelines, with approvals potentially granted within three weeks. Applications are submitted online, and a lottery process determines allotment among qualified candidates. Beneficiaries pay 25% upfront, with the remainder in three-year installments. Compliance with a three-year production timeline is mandatory, with penalties for delays....

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Mumbai: Deonar landfill reclamation for Dharavi project faces high costs and environmental hurdles

PNT Bureau

The Deonar landfill, Mumbai's oldest, has accumulated 2 crore metric tonnes of waste over 311 acres since 1927, reaching heights comparable to a 12-story building. With 124 acres designated for the Dharavi Redevelopment Project (DRP), clearing this section-containing 80 lakh metric tonnes of waste-will be a challenging task. The estimated cleanup will take 6-7 years and cost over INR 1,000 crore. The BMC plans to employ bio-mining to treat the waste. However, environmental concerns like leachate pollution and the need for clear responsibilities for containment measures add complexities, underscoring the need for coordinated efforts and substantial funding....

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Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation to relocate Narmada Trunk line at a cost of INR 5.29 crore

PNT Bureau

The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation has discovered a vital Narmada trunk line beneath a commercial plot in Chandkheda, currently on the market. Construction on this land is prohibited under TP Scheme No. 76/B, prompting the civic body to approve a INR 5.29 crore relocation plan. An AMC official attributed the issue to a past error by the Ahmedabad Urban Development Authority, which laid the line in 2003 without proper land designation. Additionally, the AMC plans to extend the Narmada drinking water supply to Chandkheda and surrounding areas, utilizing savings from the Jaspur-KD Hospital line project for the trunk line's relocation....

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Agra: Mughal-era Zohra Bagh Tower dome collapses, conservation efforts set to begin

PNT Bureau

The recent collapse of two floors, including the grand dome, of Agra's historic Zohra Bagh tower, underscores the urgent need for conservation. Built in 1526 by Emperor Babur's daughter, Zuhara Mahal, this Mughal-era structure was awaiting preservation under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). Conservation efforts, delayed due to restricted access through Chini Ka Rauza, were initially scheduled after ongoing restoration there. Rainwater seepage is suspected to have weakened the Lakhori brick and mud masonry, leading to the collapse. This incident highlights the importance of timely intervention to safeguard India's architectural heritage from irreversible damage....

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Jaipur Development Authority plans 1,000 sq. km expansion, adding 272 villages to its jurisdiction

PNT Bureau

The Jaipur Development Authority (JDA) plans to expand its jurisdiction by an additional 1,000 sq. km, incorporating 272 villages from Jaipur Rural and Dudu districts as part of the Master Plan 2047. This proposal, set for discussion in an upcoming meeting chaired by JDA commissioner Anandhi, aims to increase the JDA's coverage from 5,000 sq. km to 6,000 sq. km. Notably, this expansion will extend the JDA's authority beyond the urban zones managed by Jaipur's municipal corporations to include areas under Shahpura, Chaksu, and Jobner municipalities. The initiative focuses on systematic development to improve infrastructure and living standards, reflecting the JDA's commitment to sustainable growth and urban modernisation....