18 Apr 2026

Authorities have imposed strict timelines for completing drainage and urban infrastructure works to prevent waterlogging during the upcoming monsoon season. The directives include desilting of drains, repair of damaged sewer lines, and clearance of encroachments across identified flood-prone zones. The move follows recurring incidents of urban flooding in previous years, prompting agencies to prioritise time-bound execution of pre-monsoon works. Officials have been instructed to ensure coordination across departments and complete all critical interventions before the onset of heavy rainfall. The initiative is aimed at improving stormwater management capacity, reducing disruption to urban mobility, and strengthening resilience in vulnerable areas through targeted infrastructure upgrades.Read more

18 Apr 2026

The Jharkhand State Housing Board (JSHB) has directed the cancellation of trade licences issued to commercial establishments operating within residential colonies in Ranchi, following regulatory directions to enforce land-use norms. The move, reported in the past week, affects areas such as Bariatu, Argora and Harmu, where large-scale commercial activity has emerged over time. The action is aligned with a Supreme Court directive requiring states to identify and act against unauthorised commercial use in residential zones. Municipal authorities have begun surveys and issued notices, while halting new licence approvals. The decision has raised concerns among traders, many of whom depend on these establishments for livelihood, and highlights the challenges of balancing zoning compliance with evolving urban economic activity.Read more

17 Apr 2026

India's infrastructure expansion is leading to increased demand for digital twin technology, according to Bentley Systems. The company noted that large and complex projects across transport, utilities and urban development are encouraging the use of data-driven tools. Digital twins help improve planning, execution and long-term asset management through real-time monitoring and predictive insights. Interest is rising among both government bodies and private developers. However, issues such as data integration, lack of standardisation and shortage of skilled professionals continue to limit faster adoption across the sector.Read more

17 Apr 2026

Over 45,700 residential properties in Nashik are being occupied without mandatory building completion and occupancy certificates from the Nashik Municipal Corporation. Identified largely during a past property survey, these units have already been brought under the tax net despite non-compliance. The highest concentration is seen in Nashik Road, Panchavati and Cidco areas. The city's total property base has grown sharply in recent years, driven by redevelopment and urban expansion. The situation highlights gaps in enforcement, even as civic authorities continue to collect revenue from such properties.Read more

Indore News Desk

17 Apr 2026

The Indore Municipal Corporation intensified its action against illegal colonies by demolishing 16 unauthorised row houses in Anjani Nagar and Jagdish Nagar. The constructions were carried out without approvals and included illegal internal infrastructure such as roads and drainage. The civic body also raised concerns over fraudulent sales, where such properties are sold to unaware buyers. The action is part of a wider effort to control unplanned growth, as several unauthorised colonies in the city continue to face scrutiny due to lack of clear titles and planning violations.Read more

Mumbai News Desk

17 Apr 2026

Authorities have issued eviction notices to residents of seven slum settlements in Dharavi's Sector 6, asking them to vacate ahead of the monsoon to facilitate redevelopment works. Around 3,500 households on railway land in Matunga have been asked to relocate to enable construction of 10 rehabilitation buildings planned under the Dharavi Redevelopment Project (DRP), which aims to house nearly 11,000 families. The land has been incorporated into the notified redevelopment area, with officials stating that early clearance is necessary to begin construction. Residents and activists have raised concerns over lack of clarity on rehabilitation timelines, eligibility and long-term housing arrangements, despite short-term rental compensation being offered.Read more

17 Apr 2026

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has arrested Amitabh Jhunjhunwala and Amit Bapna, former senior executives of the Anil Ambani-led Reliance Group, in connection with an alleged bank loan fraud and money laundering case. The arrests relate to transactions involving Reliance Home Finance Limited (RHFL) and Reliance Commercial Finance Ltd, where funds were allegedly diverted through shell entities. The action follows investigations initiated on the basis of FIRs registered by the Central Bureau of Investigation. The accused have been produced before a court, with the ED seeking custody for further interrogation. The case centres on suspected irregularities in loan disbursals and fund utilisation across group-linked financial entities.Read more

17 Apr 2026

The Haryana government has approved housing projects for 2,646 beneficiaries across 60 urban local bodies under PMAY-U 2.0, targeting EWS, LIG and MIG segments. The scheme continues to see strong demand, with over 1.69 lakh registrations recorded. Financial assistance of INR 2.5 lakh per beneficiary will be provided under the beneficiary-led construction model. The state has also reviewed earlier approvals, fund releases and progress on geo-tagging. Alongside new sanctions, capacity-building plans and monitoring systems have been strengthened to improve execution, quality control and timely delivery of houses.Read more

17 Apr 2026

The Central Bureau of Investigation carried out searches across 77 locations in eight states as part of an ongoing probe into alleged collusion between builders and financial institutions. The action followed the registration of 22 fresh cases under Supreme Court directions, taking the total to 50 FIRs. The investigation focuses on irregularities linked to subvention schemes, where homebuyers were burdened with loan repayments despite project delays. Officials seized documents and digital records during the searches. The probe aims to track fund diversion, identify accountability gaps and address complaints raised by affected homebuyers across multiple housing projects.Read more

17 Apr 2026

Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena reviewed progress at the eastern portal of the Zoji La tunnel project in Drass, assessing construction milestones and timelines for the strategically significant corridor. The INR 6,808.69 crore project, being executed by Megha Engineering & Infrastructure Ltd, is expected to achieve tunnel breakthrough by mid-2026, with full completion targeted for early 2028. Officials briefed that advanced tunnelling techniques and safety features are being deployed, although challenging geological conditions have affected progress in certain stretches. The tunnel is intended to provide all-weather connectivity between Srinagar and Ladakh, improving mobility, logistics, and regional access. The review comes amid continued focus on expediting execution of key infrastructure projects in border regions.Read more