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

27 May 2025

In a significant move to enhance efficiency in property transactions, the Punjab Cabinet has amended the Punjab Management and Transfer of Municipal Properties Rules, 2021. This amendment mandates that allottees of properties sold by Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) must now deposit the full sale price within 180 days from the date of allotment, replacing the previous provision of six half-yearly installments. This change aims to expedite revenue collection for ULBs, strengthen municipal finances, and reduce legal disputes related to delayed payments. Additionally, the Cabinet has allocated INR 5 crore to the Punjab Innovation Mission to foster entrepreneurship and industrial growth in the state. Further decisions include the establishment of service rules for 207 specially promoted police personnel and the repeal of outdated appropriation acts to streamline governance.Read more

27 May 2025

In Telangana, a mere 7,000 out of 4.5 lakh buildings have secured Fire No Objection Certificates (NOCs) over the past seven years, primarily due to the Telangana Fire Services Act of 1999, which mandates NOCs only for structures exceeding 15 meters in height. This regulatory gap has led to widespread neglect of fire safety measures in shorter buildings, which account for 99% of fire incidents. The tragic Gulzar Houz fire, resulting in 17 fatalities, has intensified calls to amend the outdated law to encompass all buildings, regardless of height, ensuring comprehensive fire safety compliance across the state.Read more

27 May 2025

In a decisive move to uphold public access and urban planning integrity, the Tamil Nadu Real Estate Regulatory Authority (TNRERA) has issued a directive prohibiting developers from constructing compound walls or gates that block public roads within private housing layouts. This action targets developments where land has been transferred to local bodies through gift deeds. Developers found violating this mandate must remove such obstructions and provide photographic evidence of compliance. The regulation applies even to projects approved by the Directorate of Town and Country Planning and the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA).Read more

27 May 2025

The Punjab and Haryana High Court has recently highlighted a troubling surge in property frauds targeting Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) in Punjab. Justice Harpreet Singh Brar noted that absentee NRIs are increasingly falling victim to schemes involving forged documents and fraudulent powers of attorney, leading to the sale of their properties at significantly undervalued rates. In a notable case, prime land in Ludhiana was illicitly sold for INR 3 million, despite a market value of INR 60 million. The court dismissed anticipatory bail pleas of the accused, emphasizing the systemic abuse and the erosion of public trust resulting from such fraudulent activities.Read more

27 May 2025

In a major setback for Jaiprakash Associates Ltd (JAL), the Supreme Court has refused interim relief against the cancellation of 1,000 hectares of land by YEIDA, affecting 12 stalled group housing projects and over 4,500 homebuyers. However, the court has barred YEIDA from appointing new developers without its approval. YEIDA has begun appointing a consultant to assess project status, land ownership, and suggest regularisation measures. The land was cancelled over unpaid dues, a decision upheld by the Allahabad High Court. JAL, under insolvency, blamed delays on YEIDA. Financial institutions and homebuyers have raised concerns, and the next hearing is set for July.Read more

27 May 2025

The Maharashtra government's ambitious 'One State, One Registration' initiative, aimed at allowing property registration at any of the state's 519 sub-registrar offices, has encountered significant delays. Initially part of the government's 100-day programme, the scheme faced technical challenges and raised security concerns among activists. While intra-district registration commenced on May 1, 2025, the inter-district system requires an additional six months for a complete rollout. Officials are considering enhanced technological safeguards and plan to address public concerns before proceeding.Read more

26 May 2025

The Government of India, through the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana - Gramin (PMAY-G), is actively improving rural housing in Assam. Union Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan recently handed over 55,000 homes to beneficiaries and announced plans to build 3.76 lakh more this year. He also launched the 'Lakhimi Mistri' scheme to train women in masonry, boosting employment and their role in rural construction. Additionally, 21 Knowledge Centres were inaugurated under the Rural Infrastructure Development Fund to support farmers with resources and technical aid. These efforts aim to create poverty-free, self-sustaining villages, with a strong focus on women's empowerment and agriculture-led development.Read more

26 May 2025

The Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has approved a revised draft development plan (DP), covering all areas under its jurisdiction for the first time. Spanning 173.24 sq. km, the plan outlines urban growth strategies through 2041, addressing infrastructure needs amid rapid population growth-from 17 lakh in 2011 to a projected 61 lakh by 2041. Key features include wider roads, EV charging points, metro parking zones, transport hubs, and green spaces. It also integrates areas from the former PCNTDA and uses GIS-based planning. Citizens can submit feedback within 60 days, after which a review committee will evaluate suggestions before the plan is submitted for state approval.Read more

26 May 2025

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has requested additional information on three specific survey numbers from the Mysore Urban Development Authority (MUDA) as part of its money-laundering investigation into the controversial 50:50 land allotment scheme. The probe, which follows allegations of collusion and irregular land transfers, has prompted MUDA to furnish detailed allotment and acquisition records for properties spanning Basavanahalli, Hebbal and Devanur villages. The ED's intensified scrutiny aims to uncover financial misconduct and ensure accountability in the allocation of over 1,000 compensatory sites under the scheme.Read more