29 May 2025

The Maharashtra government has launched the PRATYAY MahaBhumi portal to simplify and digitise the deemed conveyance process for cooperative housing societies. Announced by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, the portal allows societies to apply online for legal land ownership transfer from builders-a long-pending issue affecting over 78,000 societies. The fully digital process eliminates physical submissions and includes virtual hearings, with a six-month resolution timeline. All stages-rom document upload to final order-will be handled through the portal. This reform addresses the challenges of redevelopment, repairs, and loans faced by societies lacking land ownership. Housing federations are urging further simplification by reducing the required documentation.Read more

29 May 2025

The Unified Master Plan 2031 for Ghaziabad has been approved by the GDA board, marking a key step in the city's development. The plan spans 33,543.1 hectares and supports Transit-Oriented Development along rapid rail, metro lines, and expressways. Key features include mixed-use zones, a Special Area Development near Duhai, and a revised Madhuban Bapudham layout. The PAHAL portal was launched for property-related services. INR 2,384 crore (USD 286 million) was allocated for acquiring land for the Harnandipuram township, with revised compensation rates. Officials believe these steps will enhance infrastructure, improve urban living, and drive Ghaziabad's planned and sustainable growth.Read more

29 May 2025

In a significant move, the Bombay High Court upheld rules that restrict the transfer of tribal agricultural land to non-tribals, reinforcing legal provisions that have existed for over two decades. The court ruled that these rules, rooted in the Maharashtra Land Revenue Code, are valid and designed to protect the interests of tribals. The verdict came after a challenge questioning the constitutionality of a clause in the Maharashtra Land Revenue Code, 1966, and its later amendments, especially those made in 1975. The ruling maintains that only non-agricultural use is permissible in tribal-to-non-tribal land transfers, a move the court found both legally and socially justified.Read more

28 May 2025

Environmental activists in Ludhiana have issued a legal notice to municipal authorities for allegedly allowing illegal construction on protected greenbelt areas, violating Supreme Court and National Green Tribunal (NGT) directives. The Public Action Committee (PAC) has given officials a three-week deadline to reverse the encroachments or face legal escalation before the NGT. Activists accuse agencies like the Ludhiana Municipal Corporation, Improvement Trust, and GLADA of collusion in facilitating these violations, including building extensions on parkland. They demand restoration of affected areas and strict adherence to environmental laws. The case highlights growing tensions between urban development and ecological protection, potentially setting a precedent for other cities.Read more

28 May 2025

Mumbai's slum rehabilitation push has drawn interest from around 50 leading developers following the BMC's call for Expressions of Interest (EOI) for 64 redevelopment projects on municipal lands under DCPR 2034 Regulation 33(10). Major players like Adani Realty, Rustomjee, Wadhwa Group, and JSW Realty participated in a pre-bid meeting to discuss BMC's 32 redevelopment conditions. Key concerns included unclear data on eligible slum households and rigid land reservations. BMC assured developers that these issues would be reviewed. With incentives such as up to 4 FSI, fungible FSI, and TDRs, the initiative reflects growing industry confidence and marks a major step in Mumbai's urban renewal efforts.Read more

28 May 2025

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has initiated investigations into 24 real estate projects across Noida, Greater Noida, and the Yamuna Expressway, following a Supreme Court directive earlier this week. The probe focuses on alleged financial irregularities within subvention schemes that may have defrauded thousands of homebuyers. The CBI has requested detailed records from development authorities, including layout plans, sanction letters, dues statements, and registry details, to assess potential violations of Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and National Housing Bank (NHB) guidelines. The investigation also aims to determine whether funds were diverted from construction activities.Read more

28 May 2025

In an effort to combat growing vehicular congestion across Maharashtra, the State Transport Department has initiated work on a comprehensive parking policy. The proposed framework is expected to mandate vehicle buyers to show proof of available parking space before registration. Discussions were recently held between Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik, officials from the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), municipal corporations, and senior transport authorities to shape this initiative. The state has also directed municipal bodies to utilise government-owned public spaces for parking to alleviate the burden on city infrastructure.Read more

28 May 2025

Following the recent failure of a reinforced earth wall on the Ramanattukara-Valanchery stretch of NH-66 in Kerala, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has taken swift punitive measures against KNR Constructions Ltd. The firm, which was the concessionaire for the nearly completed project, has been barred from participating in current and future bids. The project's embankment had reportedly collapsed earlier this week, prompting a thorough investigation. Initial findings indicate negligence on the part of the contractor. The project consultant and several key officials have also faced suspensions, with further guidelines expected to prevent similar failures in future highway projects across the state.Read more

28 May 2025

Amid pre-monsoon conditions and the looming onset of the rainy season, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) issued an urgent appeal earlier this week, urging slum dwellers in landslide-prone areas such as Vikhroli and Ghatkopar to move to safer locations. This directive comes after repeated warnings from civic officials and follows a pattern of landslide-related incidents recorded in recent years. With monsoon-related disasters, including landslides and house collapses, historically impacting hillside settlements, BMC's renewed focus highlights the growing risks and the need for preventive relocation in identified high-risk zones across the city.Read more

27 May 2025

The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has enforced a policy requiring all construction and demolition projects to register on the Delhi Pollution Control Committee's (DPCC) Dust Pollution Control and Self-Assessment Portal before obtaining building plan approvals. This directive aims to integrate environmental safeguards into the approval process, ensuring compliance with dust control measures. Notably, projects exceeding 500 square metres must upload a self-declaration every fortnight, implement 360-degree video surveillance, and install low-cost Particulate Matter sensors. Violations may lead to project permission denial or cancellation.Read more