18 Oct 2023

The BMC’s Rs 1,700 crore Mumbai beautification project faces a setback as decorative lights installed since October 2022 across key areas have begun to malfunction. The decorative lights were installed on the street lights and many of them on prominent roads and flyovers have stopped working. This malfunction is blamed on the street lights' inability to cater to increased power load, unsuitable wiring, and damage from illegal political hoardings. BMC Commissioner Iqbal Singh Chahal assures resolution within two weeks. Critics question the expenditure's priority over essential facilities and advocate FIRs against illegal banners. Others blame improper planning by the BMC and suggest redirecting funds for public services.Read more

18 Oct 2023

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is planning to address Mumbai's increasing water demand by floating tenders for a new 2,000 MLD filtration plant at Bhandup, supplementing the existing 2,800 MLD units. Mumbai draws water from seven lakes and these filtration plants make the water suitable for human consumption. Of the current infrastructure, the 1,910 MLD unit has almost completed its useful life and would soon be decommissioned. Mumbai faced water cuts due to existing filtration unit malfunctions. P. Velrasu, Additional Municipal Commissioner, cites the rise in demand along with the need to improve capacity as the reason behind the proposal for the Rs 350 crore plant in the civic budget.Read more

17 Oct 2023

Three individuals, identified as Kakasaheb Khade, Vikas Dahiphale, and Mohini Tandale, are accused of defrauding 19 Navy officers of Rs 23.13 crore by promising them land in Uran in 2019. Operating under the name Sky Garuda Developers, the accused set up an office in CBD and advertised the sale of Non-Agricultural plots. After initial payments, the accused changed the promised plot location, and when the investors demanded their money back, the trio provided a bounced cheque. The case has been transferred to the Economic Offence Wing, with investigations ongoing under sections 420, 406, and 34 of the IPC.Read more

17 Oct 2023

Atmosphere Realty Pvt. Ltd., a consortium of The Wadhwa Group, Man InfraConstruction Limited, and Chandak Group, has obtained the Occupation Certificate (OC) for towers ‘D’ and ‘E’ in its 'Atmosphere O2' project at Mulund. The consortium has received the OC 15 months ahead of schedule. This is attributed to guidance from Japanese Conglomerate Marubeni which is also involved in the project. This achievement reflects a commitment to quality construction and customer satisfaction in the real estate sector. The 'Atmosphere O2' project spans 5.13 acres with up to 85% open spaces emphasizing on green spaces and Wadhwa’s focus on natural light and ventilation in each residence. The project offers 20+ amenities, a spacious clubhouse, and good connectivity.Read more

17 Oct 2023

The Bombay Development Directorate (BDD) chawls redevelopment project now has a revised completion date of 2026, following a recent site visit by MHADA vice-chairman Sanjeev Jaiswal. The project encompasses three locations, including NM Joshi Marg, Naigaon, and Worli, spanning 12 acres. Originally constructed by the British over a century ago, the chawls consist of 160 square feet houses with shared restroom facilities. The redevelopment plan aims to provide tenants with 500 square foot homes, attached toilets, and numerous amenities in high-rise towers. Despite challenges and criticism, this ambitious project signifies a positive step towards modernizing the historic chawls and enhancing housing conditions in the area.Read more

17 Oct 2023

In a significant development, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has approved the allocation of ownership flats to over 4,700 government employees residing in Bandra (East), Mumbai's government colony. This decision, following a meeting chaired by Shinde, aims to optimize land use by redeveloping the sprawling 90-acre colony. Roughly 10 acres will be designated for a slum rehabilitation scheme, benefitting both slum dwellers and government employees in Class II and III categories. Additional ownership flats will be provided to Class IV employees within the 12 buildings slated for redevelopment. While facing some criticism, this proactive approach addresses Mumbai's housing challenges and promotes equitable urban development.Read more

17 Oct 2023

The Children Welfare Centre (CWC), a prominent educational institution in Mumbai's western suburbs, is facing investigation over the alleged misuse of land plots leased to them by the BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). Accusations include sub-leasing to a national school chain, charging excessive fees, unauthorized constructions, and Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) violations. An MLA has filed a complaint, urging the cancellation of permissions granted to CWC. Preliminary inspections revealed unauthorized construction and other concerns on CWC properties. CWC's principal has refuted the allegations, insisting their educational expansions adhere to lease terms.Read more

14 Oct 2023

Deepak Kesarkar, Mumbai's Guardian Minister, has unveiled an ambitious plan to transform part of the Mahalaxmi Race Course into a sprawling amusement park, coexisting with the iconic racecourse. The proposal includes a "Mumbai Eye" observation wheel and improved access via the Coastal Road. The innovative concept aims to make the area accessible to a wider audience while preserving the legacy of the racecourse. Kesarkar's vision promotes community engagement, inclusivity, and adaptability to changing urban dynamics. Additionally, plans for day care centres for senior citizens and battery-operated mini buses in the Byculla Zoo further enhance the recreational and inclusive aspects of the project, ensuring its continued relevance and vibrancy.Read more

14 Oct 2023

Aaditya Builders, a real estate development company, is facing legal action as Borivali police pursue a case against them for alleged fraudulent activities involving chartered accountant Harshit Kadhi. Kadhi claims that despite paying Rs1.1 crore, the builders failed to deliver the promised 941 sq ft flat in a Borivali West redevelopment project. The dispute began in January 2018, with Kadhi initially presented with a promising plan. However, he faced delays and threats from the builders, prompting him to seek legal recourse. On October 9, a case was registered against Aaditya Builders for breach of trust and fraud, highlighting the importance of diligence and transparency in real estate transactions and the role of the legal system in addressing such disputes.Read more

14 Oct 2023

The Maharashtra state government's delay in reclaiming a 6,063-sq-ft plot of land, allocated to the Madhya Pradesh Mitra Charitable trust (MPMCT) in Goregaon, has raised concerns. Despite the state's directive to revoke the allotment due to irregularities and subleasing, neither MHADA has taken action nor regained control of the property housing the Vibgyor High School. The housing department's inquiry in 2022 acknowledged irregularities but no progress has been made. The delay has prompted questions about the government's ability to reclaim the land and resolve the longstanding dispute surrounding the school's premises.Read more

14 Oct 2023

The Bombay High Court is set to determine the future of the iconic Mehta Mahal, a 56-year-old commercial building, as it deliberates over civic guidelines for unsafe structures. A 2021 expert panel report by BMC on the building's structural stability has sparked a legal battle. While BMC permitted repairs based on its technical advisory committee's advice, one of the property owners, Drishti Hospitality, is advocating for demolition. The case not only concerns Mehta Mahal's fate but also raises significant questions about the enforceability of local body guidelines. The next hearing is scheduled for November 2, 2023.Read more

14 Oct 2023

Viacom18 Media, a division of Reliance Industries, secures a significant five-year lease for 4.1 lakh square feet of prime office space in Mumbai, with an initial monthly rent of Rs 7 crore. The company will occupy nine floors in Prabhadevi's 'One International Centre.' A noteworthy detail is a 12-month rent-free period. The monthly rent increases by 4.5% annually from the second year, reaching nearly Rs 8 crore in the final year. The lease's terms bind both landlord and tenant. A security deposit of Rs 41.8 crore further solidifies this strategic alliance.Read more

13 Oct 2023

In a Bombay High Court ruling, a builder has been directed to pay transit rent for a flat involved in an ownership dispute and subsequently vacate the property. The man's sister had contested the ownership of the flat. The court clarified that transit rent should be paid to the person being displaced from the premises and that disputes over property titles do not impact the payment of transit rent. This judgement modifies a previous order and emphasizes the importance of adhering to established legal principles regarding transit rent and property possession in redevelopment cases.Read more

13 Oct 2023

The Bombay High Court has called for granting the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) and the state government broad powers to evict unauthorized occupants from SRA flats due to concerns about illegal transfers and profiteering. The court highlights the need to protect the 10-year ownership restriction on these flats and the importance of preventing the trafficking of rehab tenements to address Mumbai's affordable housing crisis. It's also examining a case in Malad (E) where allottees are seeking rental dues, shedding light on a wider issue of unauthorised transfers and subletting.Read more

13 Oct 2023

Godrej Properties has unveiled the Taj The Trees hotel in Mumbai’s evolving Vikhroli neighbourhood. This luxury hotel, owned by Godrej Properties and managed by Indian Hotel Companies Limited (IHCL), spans 0.35 million square feet, offering 151 spacious rooms, dining options, a rooftop bar, pool, conference facilities, and a spa. The establishment has earned IGBC Platinum certification and offers captivating views of mangroves and an art and sculpture park. Vikhroli’s strategic location along the Eastern Express Highway connects it to various parts of Mumbai, including airports, making it an attractive destination for both business and leisure travellers.Read more

12 Oct 2023

The Bombay High Court has lifted the Enforcement Directorate's (ED) attachment on two flats in the dilapidated Opera House building, Hari Niwas, paving the way for its redevelopment. The building owners, Kirti Hansraj Kothari and family, offered fixed deposit receipts to replace the attachment, citing the urgent need for redevelopment. The ED's money laundering case was linked to a CBI case against M/s ABC Cotspin Private Limited. The court accepted the offer, allowing the property owners to furnish fixed deposit receipts, and upon compliance, the attachment will be lifted, facilitating the redevelopment of the 5-storey structure.Read more

12 Oct 2023

NSDL has purchased a 68,000-square-foot office space in Mumbai's BKC Complex from IDFC First Bank for approximately Rs 198 crore. The property, located in Naman Chambers, will serve as NSDL's new headquarters starting in early 2024. This acquisition allows NSDL to expand its operational infrastructure in the competitive BKC micro-market. The BFSI sector has seen significant growth in office space demand, with major firms, both domestic and global, increasing their presence. In the first half of 2023, BFSI occupiers leased approximately 3.6 million square feet, indicating a positive outlook for the sector.Read more

12 Oct 2023

Lemon Tree Hotels inaugurated India's largest hotel, the 669-room Aurika Mumbai Skycity, marking their third property in Mumbai and under the Aurika Hotels & Resorts brand. Positioned near Mumbai airport's terminal 2, the expansion aligns with Lemon Tree's goal of reaching 20,000+ rooms, both operational and upcoming, in the next four years. Lemon Tree Hotels Chairman Patanjali G. Keswani emphasizes on meeting the rising needs of business and leisure travellers while revealing plans to add 1300 rooms across 15 cities and hire 3000 new staff, half for expansion and half for replacements.Read more