10 Jan 2026

In a significant ruling strengthening homebuyer rights, the West Bengal Real Estate Regulatory Authority (WB RERA) Appellate Tribunal has held that promoters must obtain prior consent from homebuyers before making any changes to common areas of a real estate project. The tribunal clarified that common facilities form an integral part of the agreement with buyers and cannot be altered unilaterally. The decision reinforces transparency and accountability in project development, addressing long-standing complaints from buyers about post-sale modifications. The ruling is expected to set an important precedent, offering greater protection to homebuyers and compelling developers to strictly adhere to approved plans and statutory obligations.Read more

Bangalore News Desk

10 Jan 2026

The Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) is reshaping its housing strategy by moving away from traditional plotted layouts and prioritising apartment projects to optimise land use and address Bengaluru's growing housing needs. With urban land becoming increasingly scarce and expensive, vertical development is being positioned as a more efficient and sustainable solution. While apartments enable higher density and faster housing delivery, the shift has faced mixed buyer response, with a significant portion of existing inventory still unsold. To improve demand, the authority is strengthening marketing efforts, upgrading infrastructure around projects, simplifying digital sales processes and enhancing amenities. This transition reflects a broader shift in urban planning, balancing affordability, density and liveability in one of India's fastest-expanding metropolitan regions.Read more

Delhi News Desk

10 Jan 2026

Delhi's Public Works Department has introduced QR codes on all existing and upcoming road signs under its jurisdiction to improve public access and monitoring. The codes will carry information on the manufacturer, manufacturing date, reflective sheeting specifications, and warranty coverage. Linked to the PWD Sewa app, they will allow citizens to report damaged or faded signage. This initiative follows a Ministry of Road Transport and Highways audit highlighting inconsistent signage standards. The step is aimed at improving uniformity, visibility, maintenance accountability, and public participation in reporting infrastructure issues.Read more

Gurugram News Desk

10 Jan 2026

Gurugram's building code enforcement has come under renewed scrutiny following a recent High Court ruling that flagged widespread violations of development norms and regulatory lapses in the city. The judgment directed civic and planning authorities to audit and address breaches related to setbacks, floor area ratio (FAR) limits, building heights, and unauthorised construction practices. It also highlighted concerns over compromised urban infrastructure, including road capacities, stormwater drainage and public utilities, that have worsened due to non-compliant development. The court's order empowers local bodies to take corrective measures, including issuing show-cause notices, initiating demolition actions for serious breaches, and tightening approval processes. Stakeholders say the ruling could mark a turning point in curbing irregularities and improving planning discipline in Gurugram's rapidly expanding real estate landscape.Read more

Noida News Desk

10 Jan 2026

The Noida Authority has formed a dedicated committee to clear the long-pending backlog of sub-lease deeds for cooperative housing societies. Delays in these deeds have created issues around property titles, resale transactions and regulatory compliance for residents. The new committee will closely monitor pending applications, check documentation, ensure compliance with land-use and planning norms, and recommend faster approvals. It will meet regularly and work with defined timelines to resolve cases. The move reflects the Authority's push to improve service delivery and administrative efficiency. Housing societies that applied earlier for sub-lease deed regularisation are expected to benefit from smoother processing, quicker verification and improved clarity on property ownership.Read more

10 Jan 2026

The Thiruvananthapuram metro project's revised Detailed Project Report (DPR) has been delayed as Kochi Metro Rail Ltd (KMRL) waits for clear guidelines on population norms under the National Metro Rail Policy, 2017. The 31 km corridor with 27 stations, connecting key hubs like Technopark, the airport, and Thampanoor, is intended to enhance urban mobility. While the core city population remains below the typical threshold, the broader metropolitan area exceeds 23 lakh, raising questions about eligibility. Preparatory civil works continue despite DPR uncertainty, reflecting ongoing commitment at the state level.Read more

09 Jan 2026

The Madhya Pradesh Forest Department is preparing a standard operating procedure (SOP) with the National Highways Authority of India and Indian Railways to prevent wildlife fatalities on transport routes cutting through forests. Recent incidents, including a cheetah hit by a vehicle in Gwalior and multiple tiger deaths on railway tracks near Ratapani Tiger Reserve, highlighted gaps in current safety measures. The SOP will set enforceable protocols covering speed limits, monitoring, and mitigation measures such as underpasses, overpasses, fencing, and sensor-based alerts to protect wildlife and improve coordination across agencies.Read more

Mumbai News Desk

09 Jan 2026

The Bombay High Court has intervened to stop the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) from proceeding with the demolition of homes at Rakhmabai Mhatre Chawl in Mulund (East), ruling that the civic body's notices were vague and unjustified. The court found that six residents had adequately demonstrated long-term occupancy through historical property tax and utility records, undermining BMC's claim of unauthorised construction. Observing that the demolition warnings lacked clarity on what was unlawful, the bench quashed the notices and ordered that no coercive action be taken until the civil suits are finally disposed of. The ruling underscores the need for precise procedural compliance when authorities seek to remove longstanding residential structures.Read more

09 Jan 2026

The Karnataka Cabinet has approved the issuance of A-khata certificates to properties holding B-khata in unauthorised layouts under urban local bodies. The decision applies to plots, buildings, flats, and apartments developed without layout approvals, subject to compliance with planning laws. By extending a framework earlier applied in Bengaluru to the rest of the state, the government aims to formally recognise long-standing properties, improve documentation, and strengthen urban governance. The move is expected to bring greater legal clarity for property owners and local authorities.Read more

09 Jan 2026

The National Green Tribunal (NGT), Principal Bench in New Delhi, has issued notices to the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, the Government of Uttar Pradesh and other authorities on a plea alleging illegal tree felling, unauthorised construction and encroachments in environmentally sensitive areas around the Taj Mahal and along the Agra Gwalior Highway. The application highlights activities inside Shahjahan Park between the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort and on green belts along the highway that may violate environmental norms. The respondents have been asked to file replies within four weeks, and the matter is scheduled for further hearings in March.Read more