09 Jan 2026

The Supreme Court has sharply criticised the Uttarakhand government for allowing widespread and systematic encroachment of forest land in Rishikesh over more than two decades. The land, originally allotted in 1950 to an organisation linked to Gandhian leader Mira Behn, was later partially surrendered but subsequently occupied by private individuals without authorisation. The court noted prolonged inaction by state authorities and possible collusion with encroachers. It directed a detailed inquiry into illegal constructions and ordered officials to prevent further alienation of the forest land while reporting accountability measures.Read more

09 Jan 2026

Karnataka's revenue authorities have widened their investigation into property sale registrations after detecting deviations from e-Khata compliance rules. The review includes Infosys sale of 53.5 acres in Bengaluru's Attibele area to Puravankara for about INR 250 crore. Officials found that sub-registrars bypassed the mandatory digital e-Khata verification, and in many cases, court order options in the system were misused. Earlier suspensions of sub-registrars highlight procedural lapses. The probe aims to strengthen property registration oversight, prevent fraudulent transactions, and ensure digital records like e-Khata and RTCs are properly maintained.Read more

09 Jan 2026

The Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) has emphasized that residents of Chirag Nagar in Ghatkopar will not be forcibly evicted as redevelopment plans move ahead. The project includes a memorial for writer Anna Bhau Sathe and a public institute providing free coaching and digital library access. Relocation will be voluntary, though many families remain hesitant to express consent publicly. Eligibility for rehabilitation homes, restricted construction due to the area's proximity to a Navy depot and airport funnel zone, and ongoing land disputes have contributed to uncertainty. The SRA continues dialogue with residents to implement the plan.Read more

09 Jan 2026

The Jaipur Municipal Corporation (JMC) has strengthened its urban development (UD) tax enforcement in the Civil Lines area, sealing four properties that failed to pay dues while five others settled pending amounts during the drive. The recovery efforts, including interest and penalties, are part of a broader push to improve municipal revenue essential for city development and infrastructure works. Officials emphasized that strict actions, including attachment and sealing, will continue for defaulters. This follows similar drives in other zones as JMC works to ensure better tax compliance across Jaipur.Read more

Mumbai News Desk

09 Jan 2026

The BMC has deployed ward-level flying squads to enforce pollution-control measures across Mumbai, with a focus on construction sites. During December 2025, 557 sites received showcause notices, while 233 faced stop-work orders for non-compliance. Winter conditions and low winds worsen air quality, with industrial emissions, road dust, construction, and vehicle smoke as primary contributors. Citizens are urged to follow official CPCB and MPCB data, as private platforms often rely on unverified sources. Revised 2024 guidelines mandate stricter control measures, including netting, water sprinkling, and air monitoring systems.Read more

09 Jan 2026

Odisha has taken measures to address rising air pollution in its urban centres, particularly Bhubaneswar and Cuttack. The government has banned all construction and demolition work between 6 PM and 10 AM to limit dust and particulate matter in the air. Heavy vehicles face restricted entry into city limits, while roadside eateries are barred from using firewood or coal. Authorities have also prohibited open burning of waste and mandated regular water sprinkling on roads. Officials have stressed strict enforcement, warning that violations will attract legal action and penalties.Read more

09 Jan 2026

The National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) has clarified that the Lucknow Development Authority (LDA) must be heard before any order is passed in the insolvency proceedings of Ansal Properties and Infrastructure Ltd (APIL). The LDA had highlighted that it was not notified earlier despite having substantial claims of INR 4,500 crore and concerns over High Tech Township policy violations, undelivered flats, and irregular land transactions. The ruling emphasizes procedural fairness and ensures that the regulator's input is considered before any further actions, reflecting ongoing efforts to protect both homebuyers and public interest.Read more

Mumbai News Desk

09 Jan 2026

A civil court in Mumbai has ruled that Godrej & Boyce's Vikhroli land cannot be classified as a slum, setting aside a government notification issued in the late 1970s under the Maharashtra Slum Areas (Improvement, Clearance and Redevelopment) Act. The notification had labeled around 7,850 square metres of the property as a slum. The court found the declaration legally invalid and issued an injunction preventing authorities from treating the land as a slum unless a fresh, valid declaration is made. The ruling also protects the company's access and use of the land.Read more

08 Jan 2026

UP RERA recorded a 19 per cent rise in project registrations in 2025, with 308 projects attracting investments of INR 68,328 crore. Approved units increased by 22.5 per cent to 84,976, taking total approvals over two years beyond 1.54 lakh units. Non-NCR districts accounted for a larger share of new registrations, indicating wider regional growth. Western Uttar Pradesh led in project count and investment, while Noida topped district-wise rankings. Religious cities also saw higher activity, driven by tourism and infrastructure improvements.Read more

Mumbai News Desk

08 Jan 2026

Former Mumbai mayor and three term corporator Kishori Pednekar is actively campaigning for the ongoing Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, focusing on her previous work and direct engagement with voters in Ward 199. Representing the Shiv Sena (UBT), she highlighted her role during the COVID 19 pandemic and efforts on local civic issues, including water supply and MHADA cluster redevelopment, to strengthen trust with residents. Pednekar faces competitors from Shiv Sena (Shinde), BSP and Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi. Her campaign underscores continuity in civic governance and local development priorities.Read more