PNT Reporter

05 May 2023

A Mumbai-based builder has been arrested for allegedly faking Enforcement Directorate (ED) summons to extort around 26.5 crore from his two competitors. The accused, Raju Shah, had his anticipatory bail plea rejected by the sessions court on Wednesday. The incident came to light in September 2022 when the complainant, Anand Ramprasad Agarwal, found out that the ED summons posted on social media by Shah were fake. Agarwal had filed a complaint in February 2023 against three builders - Gautam Agarwal, Mitesh Shah, and Raju Shah - for cheating him.Read more

PNT Reporter

05 May 2023

The Ahmedabad Urban Development Authority (AUDA) has repurposed INR 20 crore from unclaimed builders' deposits to plant 100,000 trees within its jurisdiction during 2022. Accumulated over 15 years, the fund was originally collected as a guarantee from builders who promised to plant trees in their projects, as per the CGDCR 2017 regulations. AUDA's innovative move has not only amplified the city's green cover but also set a benchmark for other urban development bodies in effectively utilizing unclaimed resources for environmental conservation.Read more

PNT Reporter

05 May 2023

In an effort to recoup funds fraudulently obtained from investors, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) plans to auction 26 properties owned by three companies - Infinity Realcon, the Bishal Group of Companies, and Sumangal Industries - at a reserve price of more than Rs 21 crore next month. The May 30th online auction will feature land parcels, one-story buildings, a residential building, and a flat all in West Bengal. Before submitting their offers, bidders are advised to make their own independent investigations.Read more

PNT Reporter

05 May 2023

The Panvel Tehsil office in Navi Mumbai has auctioned properties of builder NK Bhupeshbabu in Morbi gram panchayat and recovered Rs 4.82 crore, exceeding the reserve price of Rs 3.72 crore, in an attempt to recover a total sum of Rs 6.5 crore from the developer, against whom MahaRERA had issued 33 warrants. However, homebuyers complain that revenue officials are not serious about carrying out the recovery process, leading to their grievances being unaddressed.Read more

PNT Reporter

04 May 2023

In a bid to enforce environmental regulations, officials in Odisha's Kendrapada district razed about 25 illegal brick kilns. The move came after these units were found violating environmental protection and pollution control measures, causing respiratory issues among locals due to the black smoke. Sub-collector Niranjan Behera confirmed the demolition, vowing that no brick kiln will operate without clearance from the State Pollution Control Board. This stern action underscores the district administration's commitment to uphold environmental standards and public health.Read more

PNT Reporter

04 May 2023

Unitech homebuyers, numbering over 20,000, protested outside the Supreme Court, demanding a hastened timeline for their overdue housing projects. The group voiced dissatisfaction over the lack of progress despite the government's takeover of Unitech three and a half years ago. They called for management replacement, a priority hearing from the Supreme Court, and the extension of refund policies to all buyers. The association also proposed financial adjustments by stakeholders to accelerate project completion and access to the SWAMIH stress fund for Unitech projects.Read more

PNT Reporter

04 May 2023

Homebuyers at Renuka Aashiyara in Gurugram are protesting against the developer for the delay in the delivery of flats. The project was launched in 2018 and was supposed to be completed by January 2023, but only 63% of the work has been completed so far, leaving the buyers frustrated. They have already paid 100% of the amount and are facing financial burdens due to the EMI and rents. The buyers also alleged substandard quality and non-adherence to the approved layouts and specifications by the developer.Read more

PNT Reporter

03 May 2023

Panchkula residents, led by the Citizens Welfare Association (CWA), are calling for a reconstitution of the local building design committee. They claim the current committee is biased towards builders and their favoured "stilt plus four floor" design. Given Panchkula's location in an earthquake-prone zone, the CWA emphasizes the need for public safety and is seeking greater representation in committee decisions. The group has presented objections from over 5,000 residents and is urging authorities to prioritize residents' safety over builder preferences.Read more

PNT Reporter

03 May 2023

In Dombivli, an illegal eight-story building is nearing completion on land reserved for a garden. Local architect and activist, Sandeep Patil, brought this to the attention of the Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC). Patil, known for uncovering a previous construction scam, urged the KDMC to act swiftly. He alleges that despite local officials being aware of the illegal construction, no action was taken due to influential individuals' involvement. However, KDMC Commissioner Dr. Bhausabeb Dangade has assured that the building will be demolished, with Thane police's assistance if necessary.Read more

PNT Reporter

03 May 2023

Madurai Corporation will invest Rs. 6 crores in a new plant to process construction and demolition waste, a significant step towards sustainable waste management. The plant, to be set up at Vellaikal, will process 100 tonnes of waste daily. In addition, four debris collection centres will be established citywide. The project, designed to operate under a public-private partnership, aims to curb construction waste dumping, improve the urban environment, and generate revenue for the corporation. Construction will commence following the submission of a detailed project report by the contractor.Read more