16 May 2026

• The Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority is expected to hand over implementation of the Mahalunge–Maan Town Planning Scheme to the Pune Municipal Corporation after nearly eight years of delays.
• The 250-hectare scheme, proposed in 2017 for the rapidly developing Hinjewadi corridor, has faced repeated administrative and jurisdiction-related hurdles following the merger of parts of the project area into PMC limits.
• Maharashtra’s urban development department recently approved the first variation of the preliminary town planning scheme, removing a key regulatory hurdle for implementation.
• The project proposes planned urban development including road infrastructure, sewage networks, open spaces, public amenities, and organised residential and commercial layouts.
• Officials stated that a formal government notification is awaited to finalise transfer of project execution responsibilities to PMC.Read more

16 May 2026

• The Goa government has designated more than 82 lakh sqm of land as No Development Zones (NDZs) to restrict construction activity in ecologically sensitive regions across the state.
• The decision, approved by the Town and Country Planning Board, covers hill slopes, mound areas, sand dunes, islands, and other environmentally vulnerable locations including Majorda, Gonsua, Vagheri Hill, and Sao Jorge Island.
• Authorities stated the move aims to prevent hill cutting, land flattening, and unregulated development amid growing urbanisation and tourism-led construction pressure in Goa.
• Separately, the Union environment ministry has approved Goa’s proposal to declare nearly 6,729 hectares along the Mandovi and Zuari riverbanks as eco-sensitive zones.
• The state government indicated that additional ecological protections for rice fields and low-lying areas may also be considered in the next phase of land preservation measures.Read more

16 May 2026

• The Centre is expanding implementation of the SVAMITVA scheme to issue legal property cards for residential land parcels in rural areas across India.
• The programme uses drone surveys and geospatial mapping technology to demarcate inhabited village land and generate digital ownership records.
• According to government data, millions of property cards have already been distributed across participating states under the scheme.
• The initiative is aimed at reducing land disputes, improving rural land governance and enabling property owners to access institutional finance using documented assets.
• The scheme is being implemented by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj in coordination with state governments, Survey of India and local Panchayati Raj institutions.Read more

16 May 2026

The Andhra Pradesh Capital Region Development Authority (APCRDA) held a stakeholder consultation in Amaravati to discuss draft Sustainable and Green Public Procurement Guidelines aimed at promoting low-carbon and environmentally responsible infrastructure development. Supported by the World Bank programme, the proposed framework focuses on integrating sustainability into public procurement through life cycle costing, use of low-carbon construction materials, energy-efficient building practices, and climate-resilient infrastructure. Officials, industry representatives, consultants, and technical experts also discussed pilot projects and inclusion of green materials in the State Schedule of Rates to support wider adoption across upcoming projects in Amaravati.Read more

16 May 2026

The Centre has approved INR 257 crore under the Urban Challenge Fund to support major infrastructure works in Nashik ahead of the Simhastha Kumbh Mela 2027. The projects, proposed by the Nashik Municipal Corporation, are part of a larger INR 1,900 crore development plan focused on roads, water supply, sewerage systems, river rejuvenation and urban mobility. The funding comes as Maharashtra accelerates preparations for the religious gathering expected to attract millions of devotees. Along with civic upgrades, authorities are also focusing on sustainability, traffic management and long-term urban infrastructure improvements across Nashik and Trimbakeshwar.Read more

16 May 2026

The Bihar cabinet has approved World Bank assistance of about USD 500 million (around INR 4,750 crore) for the Bihar Urban Transformation Programme aimed at strengthening urban infrastructure and planned development in selected cities. The initiative focuses on improving civic services, urban connectivity, and basic infrastructure while supporting structured growth across urban areas. It is part of the state’s broader push for long-term urban planning, better service delivery, and improved living standards, along with continued collaboration with multilateral agencies for infrastructure development.Read more

16 May 2026

The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) has directed the Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) administration to strengthen internal sanitation and drainage management at the wholesale market complex in Vashi ahead of the monsoon season. During a joint inspection conducted in the past week, Municipal Commissioner Dr Kailas Shinde reviewed waste handling, drainage cleaning and waterlogging-prone locations within the market premises alongside civic and APMC officials. The commissioner instructed the market administration to prepare vehicle movement schedules to improve waste collection efficiency, increase the frequency of garbage lifting and accelerate drain cleaning operations. The inspection also focused on recurring water accumulation near the fruit market’s western gate, where civic authorities proposed drainage modifications and additional pumping arrangements to reduce monsoon flooding risks at one of Asia’s largest agricultural wholesale markets.Read more

15 May 2026

• Bombay High Court questioned BMC’s demolition of a Malad West structure over alleged procedural lapses under Section 351 proceedings.
• The petition challenges demolition of a 15-room property near Mith Chowky Metro Station in Mumbai.
• The court directed BMC to explain the action, warning that restoration orders could follow if due process violations are established.Read more

15 May 2026

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has released a consultation paper proposing a ‘green channel’ framework, termed the Garuda mechanism, to accelerate the registration and launch of Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs). Under this proposal, certain categories of AIFs would be permitted to launch schemes and deploy capital immediately upon the acknowledgement of their placement memorandum, bypassing the traditional, lengthy review process. The move aims to facilitate ease of doing business for sophisticated investors while shifting the burden of compliance and due diligence onto merchant bankers and investment managers. This regulatory shift is expected to significantly reduce the time-to-market for private equity and venture capital funds operating within the Indian financial ecosystem.Read more

15 May 2026

The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) recently participated in the World Economic Forum-linked Davos Baukultur Alliance Annual Meeting in Bern, Switzerland, highlighting Mumbai’s growing position in global urban development discussions. Representing MMRDA, Metropolitan Commissioner Dr. Sanjay Mukherjee engaged with international policymakers, infrastructure experts and World Economic Forum leadership on future-ready metropolitan planning, sustainable urbanisation and mobility-led growth. The discussions focused on integrated infrastructure, climate resilience, multimodal transport and investment-ready development models. The visit also strengthened MMRDA’s ongoing collaboration with the World Economic Forum and opened further discussions on expanding long-term institutional partnerships beyond 2026.Read more