24 Jul 2025

A CAG audit has uncovered serious lapses in Mumbai's building safety oversight, highlighting that only one of eight city divisions submitted a list of dilapidated structures. Even that list-from Kalachowki-was flawed, with 76 of 248 buildings already redeveloped or demolished. The report criticizes the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and MHADA's Mumbai Building Repairs and Reconstruction Board (MBR&RB) for failing to identify dangerous cessed buildings and relying on superficial inspections over structural audits. The MHADA Act mandates rigorous monitoring of these aging structures. In response, the government has directed MHADA engineers to obtain accurate building data from local ward offices to improve safety oversight.Read more

24 Jul 2025

The Telangana Real Estate Regulatory Authority (TGRERA) recently mandated Sandstone Infra (India) to refund INR 38 lakh to a homebuyer and pay an additional penalty of INR 9 lakh. This action, following an order issued last week, stemmed from the developer's failure to register its Medchal layout project and marketing plots without mandatory regulatory approval. TGRERA declared the firm a defaulter for violating the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, which strictly prohibits advertising or selling units in unregistered projects, underscoring the authority's commitment to ensuring transparency and protecting homebuyers' interests.Read more

24 Jul 2025

Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has installed real-time air-quality sensors at over 100 major construction sites to monitor dust pollution, specifically PM10 levels. Although these sensors frequently trigger alerts when pollution thresholds are breached, no penalties have been issued, as enforcement lies with the zonal estate department, which has yet to act. The Centre had supported AMC under the National Clean Air Programme after the city achieved a 40% drop in PM10 levels through greening, EV infrastructure, smart parking, and cleaner crematoriums. AMC also partnered with the Centre for Environment Education on awareness drives. Still, construction-related pollution remains poorly regulated despite the progress.Read more

24 Jul 2025

Following the Maharashtra cabinet's approval to merge civil areas of Pune and Khadki cantonments with the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), debate has sparked over Floor Space Index (FSI) norms for redevelopment. Currently capped at 0.5 in cantonment zones, proposed revisions to 1.0 still fall short of PMC's existing FSI range of 1.1 to 3.0. Residents and developers are urging clarity to ensure fair development post-merger. The process awaits final notification from the Centre and requires coordination among PMC, the Defence Ministry, and other agencies. The merger is part of a nationwide move to integrate cantonment civil areas with municipal bodies to streamline governance.Read more

23 Jul 2025

The Supreme Court recently granted permission to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to file 22 criminal cases, equivalent to First Information Reports (FIRs), following initial findings of an "unholy nexus" between banks, builders, and development authorities in the National Capital Region (NCR). The probe primarily focuses on irregularities under the subvention scheme, where builders allegedly defaulted on EMI payments despite receiving loan disbursements directly from banks, leaving homebuyers burdened by delayed possession. This decisive judicial action aims for a thorough investigation across multiple developers and regions, seeking to bring accountability and provide clarity to affected homebuyers.Read more

23 Jul 2025

The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) has taken decisive action against unauthorised constructions in Belapur, following non-compliance with prior demolition notices. Structures owned by Suresh Dharma Koli, Balkrishna Dharma Koli, and Ashok Koli in Diwale village were razed under the MRTP Act. The operation, led by the encroachment department under senior civic officials, involved a full deployment of manpower and equipment. NMMC has indicated that such intensified action will continue to deter encroachments in future.Read more

23 Jul 2025

The Lucknow Development Authority (LDA) has begun approving compounding maps under the new 2025 Model Building Construction and Zoning Bylaws. This move allows property owners to legalize previously unauthorized constructions by aligning them with updated regulations, avoiding penalties. Announced during a Janata Adalat by LDA Vice Chairperson Prathamesh Kumar, the initiative assigns zonal officers specific targets-75 to 220 approvals per zone-to expedite processing. The new rules also permit greater land coverage and a higher Floor Area Ratio (FAR), offering more design flexibility. This framework aims to streamline regularization and improve public welfare through transparent and efficient building compliance processes.Read more

23 Jul 2025

Odisha Real Estate Regulatory Authority (ORERA) has rolled out key reforms to protect homebuyers and strengthen its role in the state's growing real estate market. A major change mandates district collectors to include RERA enforcement in monthly reviews, integrating local administrative machinery with ORERA operations. The housing department will now collaborate with the revenue and disaster management departments to enforce penalties under the Orissa Public Demands Recovery Act. ORERA Chairperson Asit Kumar Mohapatra emphasized institutional strengthening and state coordination as top priorities. He also highlighted the importance of raising public awareness to ensure the success of these reforms and improve buyer confidence.Read more

23 Jul 2025

Telangana RERA has fined Countryside Realtors INR 38.59 lakh for serious violations at its long-delayed Westend Greens villa project in Mokila, Ranga Reddy. Out of 117 planned villas, only 20 have been delivered-missing key amenities like roads, sewage systems, and a clubhouse. Buyers accused the developer of misleading promotions and unauthorized layout changes, while also alleging threats against dissenting residents. RERA found the firm guilty of false advertising, unauthorized modifications, and failing to register the project. Further sales are banned until fresh approvals and registration are secured. If violations continue, the developer must refund buyers with compensation for delays and distress.Read more

23 Jul 2025

Karnataka's land digitisation drive has converted over 320 million pages of records into secure digital formats, aiming for 1 billion pages by year-end. The initiative, accessible via the Bhu Suraksha portal and local offices, ensures faster, tamper-proof access to land documents. Category A and B records are now digitally available, with rural Bapuji Seva Kendras set to be included soon. A multi-tier review process and encrypted storage with audit logs uphold accuracy and security. While rural districts like Belagavi and Vijayapura show strong progress, Bengaluru Urban lags behind. Once complete, the system will ease delays and protect landowners from fraud and document loss.Read more