18 Aug 2023

The Irrigation Department has issued stern notices to local panchayat authorities amid rising illegal constructions on protected forest land surrounding Neyyar Dam. Officials have identified seven resorts and numerous other buildings violating the construction prohibition in the 100-meter buffer zone around the dam, with some structures as close as 30 meters. Amboori Panchayat President, Valsala Raju, confirms that steps are being initiated to issue notices to resort owners. Opposition members in the Congress-ruled Amboori Panchayat allege implicit consent by the authorities, citing 'unauthorized occupancy' certificates issued by the panchayat for securing utilities. The crackdown highlights the urgency to address the balance between development and environmental conservation.Read more

17 Aug 2023

Dakshin Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam (DHBVN) has updated electricity load norms for residential and commercial areas to ensure fair and accurate charges. The norms vary based on city classifications and property types. Consumers will be billed based on their prescribed load, benefiting those with lower consumption. These changes aim to align with actual consumption patterns, encourage responsible energy usage, and enhance billing transparency. The revisions cater to different property sizes and classifications, creating a more equitable system while maintaining the quality of electricity supply.Read more

17 Aug 2023

Following the revelation of a counterfeit seal and forged documents scam, the VVMC swiftly responded by initiating legal action against previously served notices to illegal buildings. Fresh FIRs were lodged against unlawfully constructed properties, including Vinayak Apartment, Omkar Apartment, and Anandi Villa. The VVMC is pursuing comprehensive investigations into the confiscated records of 55 illicit residential structures linked to accused developers. With a concerning 90 percent of Virar (E) buildings being illegal, anxiety prevails among residents, underscoring the urgent need for intervention. Amidst this, activists reveal a pattern of unauthorized construction tactics, highlighting the need for robust regulatory measures.Read more

17 Aug 2023

Dosti Realty has recently partnered with Bollywood star Anil Kapoor as Brand Ambassador for Dosti Greater Thane project, merging his entertainment fame with real estate appeal. Celebrity endorsements wield significant marketing power, notably among India's millennials prioritizing homeownership. This shift prompted brands to enlist youthful ambassadors, reinvigorating established developer labels. Shah Rukh Khan, Anushka Sharma, Kangana Ranaut, and Farhan Akhtar have endorsed realty campaigns. Lodha Group featured Akshay Kumar, Twinkle Khanna, Deepika Padukone, and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. Gera Developments recently engaged Amitabh Bachchan, while sports icons like Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli have partnered with Amit Enterprises and Nitesh Estates in the past.Read more

16 Aug 2023

MahaRERA has partnered with a real estate intelligence agency to boost its real-time monitoring of ongoing projects, particularly those showing signs of financial stress or not meeting regulatory criteria. This collaboration will provide on-the-spot photos and progress updates, especially in areas like Mumbai Metropolitan Region, Pune, and Nagpur. The move comes after concerns were raised about major projects in the state where expenditures surpassed progress. This initiative aims to increase transparency and ensure developers uphold their commitments and standards.Read more

16 Aug 2023

Bengaluru's Zolostays, a co-living and student housing platform, targets Rs 500 crore in revenue by FY 2023–24. Seeking $75 million in series-D funding, the company’s revenues are said to have surged from Rs 140 crore in March 2022 to about Rs 300 crore in March 2023. The company turned profitable in Q1 of FY24. Despite the current challenges in fundraising, Zolostays plans to expand its student housing to more cities and add around 300 properties to its co-living portfolio. The firm's strategic approach reflects a commitment to growth and sustainability.Read more

16 Aug 2023

Mangal Prabhat Lodha, Mumbai's suburban guardian minister, has altered his stance on a substantial public toilet tender after initially advocating for pre-cast facilities. Lodha now urges the BMC to proceed with the traditional tender, citing potential delays in construction and citizen inconvenience. Earlier, he had requested a halt to the Rs 488-crore tender, advocating for pre-cast toilets in select locations. This flip-flop in decision-making has drawn criticism from opposition leader Ravi Raja, who accuses the BMC of being unduly influenced. The situation highlights the complexities of decision-making and priorities in enhancing Mumbai's slum sanitation infrastructure.Read more

14 Aug 2023

Dharavi residents in Mumbai rallied on Wednesday, calling for the Maharashtra government's direct involvement in the area's redevelopment. Joined by the Aam Aadmi Party and local activists, protestors emphasized the need for an updated housing survey. Opposition to the Adani Group, recently awarded the redevelopment contract, was evident. Activists advocate for a Special Economic Zone, emphasizing Dharavi's importance as a hub for small-scale industries. The project, won by Adani Properties, has an estimated revenue potential of Rs 20,000 crore.Read more

14 Aug 2023

Local authorities, along with railway officials and police, have initiated the demolition of approximately 100 houses in Nai Basti, Mathura. Situated near the Shri Krishna Janmasthan, the area has a largely minority population. These houses are accused of unauthorized construction on government land. Despite an ongoing court case, slated for the next hearing on August 21, the demolition continued unabated. Of the 135 identified houses, 60 have already been torn down. The affected families had previously lodged a plea in the civil court after being served notices by the railways, pressing for a response from the concerned authorities.Read more

14 Aug 2023

Goa's Urban Development Minister has greenlit a Geographical Information System (GIS) mapping initiative for urban residences in South Goa, with North Goa's mapping already underway. The GIS project aims to address revenue losses and plug leaks in municipal areas. GIS combines location data with descriptive information, aiding property tax assessment, recovery, and data availability. Other Indian entities, like Gurugram Metropolitan Development Authority and BMC Mumbai, have utilized GIS for water body identification, flood-prone area detection, and property tax collection enhancement. A recent Uttar Pradesh example led to a doubled property tax base and an additional 500 crore revenue.Read more