18 Jun 2025

Chandigarh's environmental department has issued a new notification mandating green clearance for major township and construction projects. Any development exceeding 50 hectares or with built-up space beyond 150,000 m² and structures over 20,000m² now needs explicit environmental approval. This aligns with a national tribunal directive, making central-level appraisal compulsory for Category A projects near ecologically sensitive zones or state borders. Officials have urged developers to follow Supreme Court and tribunal guidelines. These measures mark a major pivot toward stricter green regulation in Chandigarh's urban planning, reinforcing long-term ecological safeguards across large-scale developments.Read more

17 Jun 2025

The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) has demolished over 300 structures in Bhoomiheen Camp, Govindpuri, South Delhi, as part of a planned in-situ slum rehabilitation project. Most of the razed constructions were reportedly vacant, with the land under encroachment for the past 2.5 years. The cleared site will be used to build permanent housing for approximately 4,500 JJ (jhuggi-jhopri) dwellers from nearby Navjeevan and Jawahar Camps. This follows an earlier relocation of 1,862 eligible households from Bhoomiheen Camp to flats in Kalkaji Extension between November 2022 and May 2023, based on Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB) guidelines. The initiative aligns with the Delhi government's 'Jahan Jhuggi Wahan Makan' policy, which ensures alternative housing before removing informal settlements, promoting a more humane and systematic urban redevelopment approach.Read more

17 Jun 2025

The Andhra Pradesh Real Estate Regulatory Authority (APRERA) has issued a public advisory cautioning homebuyers against purchasing unregistered flats and plots. In-charge chairman S Suresh Kumar highlighted growing concerns over developers collecting advance payments for 'pre-launch' projects without mandatory APRERA registration-an act that violates the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016. Under the law, no real estate project can be marketed, advertised, or sold without proper registration, and agents are also prohibited from promoting unregistered properties. APRERA has urged buyers to verify project details through its official helpdesk and report any issues like delays or poor construction quality. The warning reinforces the authority's consumer protection mandate under RERA, which was enacted in 2017 to bring transparency, accountability, and legal safeguards to India's real estate market.Read more

17 Jun 2025

The Telangana Real Estate Regulatory Authority (TG-RERA) has ordered Prime Infratech, developer of the Prime Alpenia villa project near Mokila, to form and register an official allottees' association within 45 days. The directive follows a complaint by villa owner Budi Venkata Ramana, who alleged ongoing harassment and illegal fund collection due to the absence of a registered association. TG-RERA cited the developer's non-compliance with Section 11(4)(e) of the RERA Act, 2016, which mandates the creation of such a body. The authority also clarified that maintenance charges are legally applicable from the date of possession, regardless of occupancy. While disputes among residents fall outside TG-RERA's jurisdiction, affected parties may approach the Telangana Co-operative Department. The order reinforces the importance of structured community governance for transparent maintenance and shared responsibility in post-handover real estate developments.Read more

17 Jun 2025

After years of uncertainty, the Mumbai Hockey Association (MHA) has secured a renewed lease for its Churchgate stadium, valid till 2046. This move marks a revival for Mumbai's hockey scene, which had been struggling amid governance changes. Though the lease was originally signed in 2017, confusion arose when the Maharashtra government briefly cancelled it over unmet development promises. The new agreement restores MHA's control, which had been diminished after Hockey India's one-state-one-association policy sidelined the body. With the lease now confirmed, MHA plans to restart tournaments and add a dedicated practice ground-opening new opportunities for budding hockey players in the city.Read more

17 Jun 2025

Goa's cabinet has approved a comprehensive Heritage Policy designed to safeguard and celebrate the state's cultural, historical and natural treasures. The new framework sets clear rules for maintenance, restoration and promotion across 14 priority areas, covering everything from ancient monuments and churches to festivals, crafts and oral traditions. Key measures include unifying scattered heritage laws, bringing private heritage bungalows into conservation and tourism plans, and aligning Goa&'s efforts with global best practices. The policy promises financial and technical support, plus awards for private owners, and launches a digital documentation programme to record and share heritage assets worldwide, securing them for future generations.Read more

17 Jun 2025

The Andhra Pradesh government is moving to repeal the NALA Act (2006), which regulates converting agricultural land for non-agricultural use. This major shift aims to simplify and speed up the process by allowing automatic land conversion upon tax payment-removing the need for repeated visits to government offices. The decision follows widespread complaints from citizens and developers about the existing system's complexity. Chief Minister Shri Chandrababu Naidu announced the move during a recent collectors' conference, with officials now preparing guidelines for a smooth transition. The repeal is expected to ease development, reduce red tape, and encourage investment across urban and industrial sectors.Read more

17 Jun 2025

Hamirpur Nagar Nigam is introducing a modern house numbering system to improve property identification and civic record accuracy. The initiative starts with a city-wide survey to update decades-old residential records and simplify service delivery. Aerial drone surveys and GIS-based mapping across 15 wards are currently underway, followed by door-to-door verification to confirm ownership and assign new numbers. These details will be uploaded to an online portal for easy access. The new system aims to enhance postal and courier services, ease online deliveries, and bring greater efficiency to local governance-marking a major step towards smart and streamlined urban management.Read more

17 Jun 2025

Madhya Pradesh authorities have ramped up anti-encroachment drives, pulling down illegal structures to reclaim public land in key cities. In Khandwa, crews demolished around 100 unauthorized houses built near Shakkar pond after four months of notices; only homes protected by court stay orders were spared. In Ujjain, officials targeted the Begum Bagh area close to the Mahakaleshwar temple, razing seven buildings whose leases had been cancelled by the Ujjain Development Authority for violations. Such crackdowns are common across India, aimed at freeing land for planned development, easing pressure on civic infrastructure and addressing safety and legal concerns. The push shows resolve to enforce zoning laws and return assets to citizens.Read more

16 Jun 2025

In light of Delhi's soaring temperatures and record-breaking power demand, Power Minister Ashish Sood has instructed the city's electricity distribution companies to enhance their infrastructure and improve emergency response mechanisms. During a recent review meeting, Sood urged the replacement of ageing grids, adoption of new technology, and immediate fault-detection systems. He also emphasised the importance of data analytics for operational efficiency. Stressing on sustainable alternatives, he encouraged aggressive promotion of solar power, particularly in areas where conventional meters are impractical, highlighting the urgency due to the city's escalating heatwave and energy consumption.Read more