22 Jul 2025

A consumer forum in Ghaziabad has held a cooperative bank liable for losing a borrower's original property documents despite full loan repayment. The documents went missing during the bank's branch relocation from Ghaziabad to Noida. The borrower, who sought the return of his papers much later, was told they were untraceable. The commission has directed the bank to pay INR 25,000 for mental distress and INR 5,000 for litigation expenses. The bank must also assist in obtaining certified copies of the lost deed. This case reflects increasing regulatory pressure on lenders to maintain stringent safeguards over customer documents.Read more

21 Jul 2025

Ahmedabad's urban lakes are under threat, as outdated planning schemes by AUDA have led to the loss of significant waterbody areas. Early town planning models applied uniform land deductions even on lake beds, shrinking lakes in areas like Bopal, Vastrapur, Thaltej, and Memnagar. Vastrapur Lake alone lost over 22,000 sq m. Merged land parcels and unclear boundaries have triggered ownership disputes and complicated restoration. Despite AMC's updated planning norms, older legally binding maps have caused irreversible damage. A Gujarat government report noted a 46% decline in lake areas due to construction and encroachment. The National Green Tribunal has launched formal proceedings to address the crisis.Read more

21 Jul 2025

The Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) has released its third master plan, introducing higher Floor Space Index (FSI) allowances near transport corridors to promote vertical, transit-oriented development. This move aims to curb urban sprawl and support compact, sustainable growth across the newly expanded Chennai Metropolitan Area. The plan includes a phased rollout of FSI norms, tied to infrastructure upgrades in roads, water, sewage, and public transit. Built on extensive stakeholder input, it emphasises inclusivity, accountability, and performance monitoring. Key features include TOD zones, walkable neighbourhoods, blue-green infrastructure, and satellite town development-signalling a bold shift toward smarter urban planning and climate resilience.Read more

21 Jul 2025

The Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region Development Authority (VMRDA) concluded its final public consultations for the Draft Master Plan-2041 after extensive stakeholder engagement across Visakhapatnam, Anakapalli, and Vizianagaram. Concerns over potential land-use favoritism prompted a deadline extension and the formation of a technical committee to review feedback. Spanning 6,700 sq km, the plan includes key infrastructure like Vizag Metro, Bhogapuram Airport, and the Visakhapatnam-Chennai Industrial Corridor. It also proposes transit-oriented zones, slum upgrades, and smart infrastructure. Focused on sustainable, inclusive development, the plan aims to balance growth with environmental protection and decentralised urban expansion across the fast-growing coastal region.Read more

20 Jul 2025

A local court ordered the immediate transfer of maintenance duties at Parkview Residences in Mohali's Sector 66 to its Resident Welfare Association (RWA). The judgment followed ongoing allegations against the developer and its agency for imposing inflated maintenance charges, obstructing RWA elections, and disrupting basic services. Despite all units being sold, the developer had continued to exert control through a private firm. The court found these actions coercive and unlawful under the Punjab Apartment Ownership Act.Read more

20 Jul 2025

Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah recently led a high-level review of the Delhi Master Plan 2041, bringing together key officials including Delhi CM Smt Rekha Gupta and Union Housing Minister Shri Manohar Lal Khattar. The meeting focused on finalising the city's long-term development strategy, which aims to make Delhi more inclusive, green, and well-connected. Key issues discussed included slum redevelopment, regularising unauthorised colonies, managing Yamuna floodplains, and expanding public transport. The draft plan, submitted in April 2023, still awaits central notification. Once cleared, it's expected to guide structured urban growth and reshape how Delhi evolves over the next two decades.Read more

20 Jul 2025

Telangana RERA has penalised Ashritha Group with a fine of INR 3 lakh after two homebuyers complained about irregularities in its "Jewels County" project in Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad. The buyers alleged the builder failed to register their flats or issue receipts and threatened to cancel agreements without valid reasons. RERA found that despite executing sale agreements, the builder didn't register the units, violating RERA norms. The authority has now ordered Ashritha to complete registrations, subject to payment milestones. This is among several recent actions by RERA, including penalties against developers of "Happy Homes-1", "Aura Velimala Phase-1" and "Shrivari's Brundavanam" for non-compliance and unregistered sales.Read more

20 Jul 2025

Two unsafe buildings in Margao, Goa, 'Cabecca de Calconde' and Indira Apartments, are set for demolition after delays. The 'Cabecca de Calconde' building, deemed beyond repair in 2018, has seen its demolition pending over 1.5 years despite a November 2023 collector's order. Recent parapet collapses prompted swift action and a May 27 order for immediate demolition. The PWD has shortlisted agencies, but the demolition depends on the Margao Municipal Council's ability to vacate the remaining occupants.Read more

19 Jul 2025

Maharashtra's Chief Minister has directed swift clearance of the long-stalled Maan-Mhalunge town planning (TP) scheme, a flagship part of PMRDA's urban masterplan. Proposed in 2018 as a model "farmer-inclusive" initiative, the scheme lets landowners retain 50% of developed plots, avoiding full acquisition. Though four of six planned TP schemes in Hinjewadi have state clearance, final approvals remain pending. Elections and administrative delays have stalled progress and funding use, despite INR 150 crore in allocated support. Additional schemes in Vadachiwadi, Handewadi, Holkarwadi, and Manjari Khurd-Kolwadi are also in limbo. The government is expected to expedite approvals to align with the proposed Pune ring road.Read more

19 Jul 2025

The Gujarat government has rolled out a revamped township policy to boost private participation in large-scale, self-sufficient townships. Addressing shortcomings of its 2009 policy, the new plan offers higher FSI, stamp duty waivers, and lower municipal fees to attract developers. To ease land challenges, the government may provide its own land in difficult-to-aggregate areas. A state-wide redevelopment and Transferable Development Rights (TDR) framework is also in the works, allowing developers to use TDRs across cities. Managed by digital city-level committees, the new system aims for transparent, fair valuations. The inter-city TDR model follows successful examples from Mumbai and Pune.Read more