Law & Policy

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Gurugram cracks down on illegal constructions in affordable housing

Author : PNT Bureau
Gurugram authorities are cracking down on illegal construction in affordable housing units, following a survey by the District Town Planner (Enforcement) department revealing widespread violations in EWS category homes in DLF Phase 5. Show-cause notices were issued to 100 homeowners for illegally converting EWS units into commercial spaces or adding extra floors. Despite notices, inadequate responses have led to the preparation of restoration orders. These violations have strained infrastructure, highlighting the need for stricter enforcement of building regulations and protection of low-income residents' rights. Restoration orders will mandate compliance or result in property sealing....
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NKDA permits controlled construction material storage on sidewalks

Author : PNT Bureau
The New Town Kolkata Development Authority (NKDA) has introduced new regulations permitting builders to store construction materials on footpaths under specific conditions. Developers with approved plans can now use footpaths for storage, provided a 1.5-metre pedestrian passage remains clear. This initiative balances construction needs with pedestrian safety. All future projects in New Town will require a construction management plan detailing material storage and waste disposal practices. An upcoming Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) will outline enforcement and penalties. This regulation aims to improve construction efficiency while ensuring safe and uncluttered sidewalks for pedestrians....
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Bihar assembly passes bill for lift and escalator regulation

Author : PNT Bureau
The Bihar Assembly has passed the Bihar Lift and Escalator Bill, 2024, introduced by Energy Minister Bijendra Prasad Yadav, to enhance safety standards in multi-storied buildings. This legislation mandates registration and regular inspections of lifts and escalators in residential, commercial, and public buildings. Key provisions include mandatory maintenance, routine inspections, and third-party insurance for accident compensation. The bill responds to the increasing number of high-rise structures in Bihar, aiming to prevent accidents and ensure public safety. This move aligns Bihar with other Indian states prioritising stringent safety regulations in the construction industry....
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Karnataka government approves plan to divide Bengaluru into 10 units

Author : PNT Bureau
The Karnataka government has approved a bill to restructure Bengaluru's administration, proposing to divide the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) into up to 10 smaller units. This aims to enhance governance in the city, which faces challenges like traffic congestion, waste management, and infrastructure development. The plan includes increasing the number of wards from 225 to 400 and establishing a Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) to coordinate the smaller units. The GBA will oversee the 1,400 sq km region but not local planning, which remains with the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA)....
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Tamil Nadu's new self-certification scheme simplifies home construction

Author : PNT Bureau
Chief Minister M K Stalin inaugurated a new scheme under the Department of Housing and Urban Development, allowing self-certification for building permits of homes up to 3,500 square feet on plots up to 2,500 square feet. The initiative, first introduced in the 2024-25 state budget, aims to help economically weaker sections and the middle class by simplifying the approval process and reducing costs. Applicants can receive permits immediately, with certain inspections waived. The scheme is expected to benefit rural and urban areas alike, reducing approval charges and streamlining home construction in Tamil Nadu....
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Supreme Court directs High Court to resolve dispute over Goa's coastal development plans

Author : PNT Bureau
The Supreme Court has directed the High Court of Bombay at Goa to resolve the dispute over the Outline Development Plans (ODPs) for five coastal villages in Goa-Calangute, Candolim, Parre, Arpore, and Nagoa. Introduced on December 15, 2022, the ODPs face opposition from environmental activists and residents, leading to a High Court stay on development activities. The Goa Foundation argues that the ODPs will cause environmental harm, while allegations have been made against Calangute MLA Michael Lobo for influencing the plans for personal gain. The Supreme Court's decision to send the case back to the High Court will determine the future of these development plans and their impact on Goa's coastal environment....
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Government takes steps to curb illegal land registration in Karnataka

Author : PNT Bureau
The Karnataka government is addressing illegal land registrations, especially in high-value areas like Bengaluru, by integrating "e-khatas" or electronic land records for all properties. Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda announced this initiative to enhance transparency and prevent illegal conversions of agricultural land. Responding to allegations of sub-registrar collusion with land sharks, Gowda highlighted that a new bill, pending the President's assent, aims to curb such activities. The government also addressed issues related to the regularisation of houses on government land and the usage of 'Kumki' land. These measures aim to protect legitimate property owners and ensure accurate land records....
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MHADA lottery attracts 46,532 applications for 4,850 flats in Pune

Author : PNT Bureau
A recent MHADA lottery for 4,850 flats in Pune, Pimpri Chinchwad, Tathawade, Solapur, and Sangli saw an overwhelming 46,532 applications, indicating a high demand for affordable housing. Housing Minister Atul Save announced the figures, highlighting the intense competition of 9.6 applicants per flat. The lottery's Inclusive Housing Scheme was particularly popular, receiving 46,477 applications for 1,372 flats. With 2,423 flats still available on a first-come, first-served basis, and plans for future lotteries, the Maharashtra government aims to address the housing shortage through inclusive housing schemes and frequent lotteries....
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Goa's new bill to prevent illegal sale of unclaimed properties

Author : PNT Bureau
The Goa State Cabinet has approved the introduction of the Goa Escheats, Forfeitures and Bona Vacantia Bill, 2024. This bill aims to empower the state government to take over properties of individuals who die without legal heirs, as well as properties without a rightful owner. The proposed law will grant the state government the authority to manage, administer, and dispose of such properties. It establishes a comprehensive legislative framework to govern the management of properties that have escheated, lapsed, or are considered bona vacantia. The bill ensures due process for potential claimants while also safeguarding the state's interests....
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UP-RERA summons 18 builders and authorities for online hearings

Author : PNT Bureau
The Uttar Pradesh Real Estate Regulatory Authority (UP-RERA) has issued a public notice summoning Noida and Greater Noida authorities and 18 builders for online hearings to resolve complaints from 32 homebuyers. The grievances involve delays, construction quality issues, and contractual breaches, causing significant distress for the homebuyers. These hearings, conducted by the Lucknow and Gautam Buddh Nagar benches of UP-RERA, aim for faster and more convenient dispute resolution. This proactive approach by UP-RERA seeks to protect homebuyers' rights and set a precedent for swifter resolutions in Uttar Pradesh's real estate market....
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