20 Mar 2026

Haryana's revenue and disaster management department has introduced Bhu Mitra, a WhatsApp chatbot providing 24/7 access to land and revenue services in Hindi and English. The tool allows citizens to request Jamabandi copies, Mutation records, compensation registrations, and deed registrations, as well as generate deed tokens, request land demarcation, lodge complaints, and track status in real time. Citizens can use it by saving a dedicated WhatsApp number. SMS updates for deed registration will also soon be available. The initiative aims to improve efficiency, transparency, and convenience, reducing physical visits and bureaucratic delays.Read more

19 Mar 2026

Preparations for a proposed Formula-4 (F4) street race in Nerul, Navi Mumbai, have drawn objections from environmental activists who claim that more than 70 trees may be cut or relocated to facilitate the event. The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation is expected to spend around INR 28 crore on hosting the race. Activists have raised concerns over the removal of trees from a road divider and the possible use of a nearby playground for event infrastructure. They have also warned about traffic disruptions and environmental impact, while civic authorities continue planning the event scheduled for later this year.Read more

Lucknow News Desk

19 Mar 2026

The Lucknow Municipal Corporation has announced a 12% annual interest on pending house tax dues if not cleared before the financial year ends. The move is part of a stronger recovery push, supported by awareness drives and extended office hours to help taxpayers make payments. At the same time, the civic body has warned of strict action against persistent defaulters, including sealing and auction of properties. The step aims to improve revenue collection, which is critical for funding infrastructure and civic services in the city.Read more

19 Mar 2026

The Haryana government has initiated a large-scale land buyback programme covering over 6,600 acres in Ambala to facilitate planned urban expansion through the Haryana Shehri Vikas Pradhikaran (HSVP). Announced in the past week, the initiative adopts a consent-based model via the e-Bhoomi portal, allowing landowners across seven villages to voluntarily offer land and indicate expected prices. The acquisition aims to support the development of new residential, commercial, and institutional sectors with upgraded infrastructure, including roads, sewerage, and utilities. Authorities have set a deadline later next month for landowners to register interest. The move reflects a shift from compulsory acquisition to negotiated land aggregation, intended to streamline development while reducing disputes and improving transparency in large-scale urban planning.Read more

19 Mar 2026

The Indian-flagged tanker Jag Laadki, carrying approximately 80,886 MT of crude oil from the UAE, reached Mundra Port in Gujarat recently, highlighting the port's role in managing key energy imports amid the ongoing Middle East conflict. Earlier, LPG carriers Nanda Devi and Shivalik docked at Vadinar and Mundra ports, respectively. The arrivals ensure continuity for India's refineries despite supply disruptions caused by the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. India imports over 85% of its energy from the Middle East, making secure maritime routes vital for energy security.Read more

Mumbai News Desk

19 Mar 2026

The Bombay High Court has dismissed a petition filed by two societies representing the Koli fishing community in Danda Koliwada, Khar West, challenging slum redevelopment on land traditionally used for fish drying. The order, issued in the past week, upheld a court-appointed committee's findings that redevelopment would not impede fishing activities. The dispute relates to approximately 3,449 sqm of land, part of a larger 9,588 sqm parcel notified as a slum rehabilitation area by the Slum Rehabilitation Authority. The court held that the issues raised required detailed factual examination and could not be adjudicated under writ jurisdiction. Petitioners have been granted limited interim relief, with a short continuation of status quo, while being directed to pursue remedies before a competent civil court.Read more

Mumbai News Desk

19 Mar 2026

Over 800 families from the Naigaon BDD chawls in Mumbai have started moving into newly constructed 2BHK apartments under a major MHADA-led redevelopment project. A total of 864 flats have been handed over in the first phase, with more units expected by April 2026. The redevelopment will replace old 160 sq ft tenements with modern homes of about 500 sq ft. The larger BDD redevelopment plan across Mumbai aims to rehabilitate nearly 15,000 families while improving infrastructure and living conditions without displacing long-standing communities.Read more

19 Mar 2026

Goa's Town and Country Planning (TCP) Department has released 14 proposals to change land use under Section 39A, converting nearly 11,908 sqm of green cover, orchards, and natural cover into settlement zones across Bardez, Ponda, Quepem, and Salcete. These proposals are open for public objections over 30 days, with final approvals contingent on clearances from the forest department, Coastal Zone Management Authority, and Water Resources Department. The move follows growing debate over Section 39A, introduced to correct zoning inconsistencies but opposed by locals for potential ecological impact.Read more

Mumbai News Desk

19 Mar 2026

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) plans to renegotiate the Gargai dam contract after the project cost rose to around INR 5,396 crore, about 11% higher than the original estimate. The standing committee has asked officials to revise the proposal and reduce the financial burden before approval. The project, located in Palghar, is expected to add 440 MLD to Mumbai's water supply and is targeted for completion by 2029. Cost escalation due to land acquisition, rehabilitation, and environmental requirements remains a key concern.Read more

Mumbai News Desk

19 Mar 2026

A dispute over a proposed sea protection bund near Machhimar Nagar in Cuffe Parade led to opposing protests by residents and the local fishing community. Residents raised concerns about possible land reclamation and future encroachments due to ongoing stone dumping, while fisherfolk supported the project, citing repeated flooding during high tides. The situation turned tense when both groups confronted each other at a public garden, requiring police intervention. Authorities maintained that the project is scientifically designed to prevent coastal erosion and protect vulnerable settlements.Read more