27 Jul 2025

The Gujarat government has scrapped the INR 200 fee for ownership certificates, or 'sanads,' under the SVAMITVA scheme, making them free for rural property holders. This move will benefit about 25 lakh villagers, with the state allocating INR 50 crore to fund the initiative. Along with the property card, beneficiaries will now receive the sanad at no cost. The SVAMITVA scheme, launched nationwide in 2021, uses drone surveys to map rural land and issue legal ownership documents. The initiative aims to cut property disputes and promote access to credit and government benefits.Read more

27 Jul 2025

The Supreme Court has upheld an earlier order by the Bombay High Court allowing Adani Cementation Ltd to cut 158 mangrove trees in Maharashtra's Raigad district to develop a captive jetty along the Amba River. The project involves a 620-metre-long jetty with mechanised conveyor systems aimed at transporting cement, clinker, and raw materials through waterways instead of roads. This move is intended to reduce heavy vehicular traffic and carbon emissions. Despite opposition from an environmental NGO, the court has mandated compensatory afforestation and strict adherence to environmental safeguards as a condition for proceeding with the construction.Read more

26 Jul 2025

The Chandigarh Administration has served a notice to former BJP MP Kirron Kher, seeking INR 12.76 lakh in unpaid rent for a government-allocated residence in Sector 7. Issued by the Assistant Rent Controller, the demand includes accumulated licence fees and interest charges. Kher, however, has contested the basis of the charges, stating she became aware of the dues through media reports. Her office has requested a clarification on the rent calculations, alleging that they contradict established House Allotment Committee rules.Read more

26 Jul 2025

The Supreme Court has issued an interim order modifying a Bombay High Court directive that required the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) to deposit the full INR 1,169 crore arbitral award in favor of Mumbai Metro One Private Limited (MMOPL), a joint venture involving Anil Ambani's Reliance Infrastructure. The apex court now mandates MMRDA to deposit 50 percent of the awarded amount, approximately INR 584.5 crore, for the stay on the High Court's full deposit order to remain active.Read more

25 Jul 2025

Maharashtra's newly unveiled Housing Policy 2025 targets INR 70,000 crore in investments and aims to build 50 lakh homes over the next decade, with 35 lakh planned in five years. The policy focuses on slum rehabilitation, affordable housing, and urban sustainability-especially for EWS, LIG, MIG groups, industrial workers, and senior citizens. Affordable housing now enjoys infrastructure status, easing access to funding via ECB, FDI, and PSL. Key initiatives include redevelopment of old buildings, integrated townships, and the 'Walk to Work' model with dedicated MIDC housing zones. A INR 20,000 crore MahaAwas Fund and a state housing portal will further support implementation and transparency.Read more

25 Jul 2025

Rajasthan's revamped Township Policy sets a new course for eco-conscious and inclusive urban growth. It mandates parks and utility spaces, promotes rainwater harvesting and wastewater recycling, and emphasizes affordable housing for all segments especially EWS, LIG, and industrial workers. The policy also encourages vertical development and mixed-use planning, while developers are held accountable to maintain infrastructure. This vision aligns with feasibility studies for satellite towns and advances in renewable energy demonstrating a momentous move toward sustainable city planning without sacrificing essential services.Read more

25 Jul 2025

Punjab has revised its land-pooling policy to offer improved financial incentives, faster approvals, and wider inclusion of small landowners. Farmers now get INR 50,000 per acre upfront, INR 1,00,000 annually (with 10% hike for delays), and the option of both residential and commercial plots in return for contributed land. The updated policy applies to over 40,000 acres and assures no forced acquisition, no third-party interference, and full rights to farmers. Despite these changes, protests led by political and farmer groups continue, who claim the policy benefits developers at the cost of rural communities.Read more

25 Jul 2025

The Mysuru City Corporation (MCC) has proposed an upgrade to a Grade 1 city corporation, a strategic move to unlock greater development opportunities and secure more central and state government grants. This proposal follows the abandonment of a "Greater Mysuru" plan due to insufficient population. The upgrade, which involves merging surrounding municipal councils and town panchayats, aims to boost tourism, trade, and job creation in Mysuru. This would position the city similarly to Hubballi-Dharwad, Karnataka's second-largest corporation, reflecting a push for accelerated urban growth and improved infrastructure in the region.Read more

25 Jul 2025

Prayagraj has recently enforced new regulations making structural safety audits mandatory for all high-rise buildings exceeding 15 meters in height. Prompted by growing safety concerns and previous fire incidents, these structures will now require an initial audit ten years post-construction, followed by reviews every five years. Building owners, developers, or Resident Welfare Associations are responsible for promptly addressing any identified risks. Reconciliation may lead to authorities undertaking necessary repairs at the owners' expense, ensuring enhanced safety standards across the city.Read more

24 Jul 2025

The Supreme Court has issued strict orders to curb unauthorized construction in Chandni Chowk in Delhi, directing police to arrest violators and enforce demolition orders where no legal stay exists. Patrolling teams must now actively prevent illegal building work, while residential properties are barred from commercial conversion. The court warned against collusion between builders and municipal officials, citing a case where an elderly woman's home was affected by illegal construction. The Delhi Police commissioner and local DCP must submit a compliance report. Petitioners may also submit videos or photos of violations, enhancing oversight. These directives reinforce an earlier court order issued in May.Read more