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

26 May 2025

The Gujarat government has approved Vapi's first draft town planning (TP) scheme, enabling the newly formed Vapi Municipal Corporation (VMC) to pursue structured city development across 126 hectares west of the Custom Frontier Road. The scheme, notified under TP No.1, establishes proper road networks and utility layouts, and secures land for public amenities and affordable housing. VMC officials say the plan will eliminate fragmented plots and boost infrastructure led growth in Vapi's industrial belt, while paving the way for future schemes in Dungra and beyond.Read more

26 May 2025

The Ludhiana Improvement Trust (LIT) is seeking to revive its role in the city's development after most of its residential colonies were transferred to the municipal corporation. With limited ongoing projects-only the Atal Apartment scheme-LIT now plans a new residential-cum-commercial project using a land pooling model. Landowners within or near municipal limits are invited to contribute land in exchange for developed plots. The initiative, previously attempted under an earlier chairman, is being revived under current chairman Tarsem Bhinder, focusing on areas near Sidhwan Canal and Lohara. The plan aims to reestablish LIT's relevance by promoting planned, participatory urban growth in Ludhiana.Read more

26 May 2025

Rajasthan High Court has directed the state government to submit a detailed compliance report by early July concerning 19 buildings in Jaipur's historic Walled City found operating commercial establishments illegally in residential zones. This development follows a petition by the building owners seeking relief. The court was informed that only some owners had been heard so far, with others yet to present their stance. The amicus curiae highlighted that a three-month extension for compliance was excessive, while a senior advocate stressed the urgency of swift enforcement, particularly after the Supreme Court dismissed the owners' Special Leave Petition. This legal proceeding reflects ongoing challenges in balancing heritage conservation with urban commercial activities.Read more

23 May 2025

In a decisive move against unauthorized constructions, the Noida Authority has identified approximately 20 illegal structures across the villages of Gadhi Chaukhandi, Barolla, Salarpur, Basai, and Bhangel. These buildings, erected without requisite approvals on notified lands, have been marked in red with 'illegal' signage and served official notices to caution current occupants and potential buyers. The authority has reclaimed nearly 10,000 square meters of land, valued at approximately INR 30 crore. Demolition drives have been executed in Barolla, Salarpur, and Hajipur villages, targeting under-construction houses and shops built unlawfully. This initiative aligns with Noida's broader strategy to expand its landbank, which includes significant allocations for industrial, institutional, residential, group housing, and commercial developments.Read more

23 May 2025

Bollywood veteran Mithun Chakraborty has been served a show-cause notice by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) concerning alleged unauthorized constructions at his Malad property near Erangal beach. The notice, issued under the Mumbai Municipal Corporation Act, 1888, cites two ground-floor structures with mezzanine levels and three temporary units constructed without proper permissions. Chakraborty has refuted these allegations, asserting that every part of his property is legally constructed. This incident is part of BMC's broader crackdown on illegal structures in the area, with over 100 identified for demolition.Read more

23 May 2025

A longstanding land ownership conflict in South Mumbai's Agripada area escalated earlier this week, leading to a violent standoff between security teams representing a real estate firm and a pharmaceutical company. The confrontation, marked by stone pelting, pepper spray, and gunfire, resulted in the arrest of 41 guards from the pharma firm's security agency. Police intervened swiftly, registering an FIR and placing the arrested individuals under custody. The incident reflects growing tensions surrounding high-value land in the city amidst ongoing legal disputes.Read more

23 May 2025

Himachal Pradesh's Cabinet introduced vital amendments to town planning rules that require buildings on Shimla's valley side to be constructed below road level to maintain the area's natural beauty. The government also launched the Pashu Mitra Policy, 2025, creating 1,000 multitask roles in animal husbandry and raising fodder grants to support cattle shelters. Educational and healthcare sectors benefited from new staffing approvals and honourarium increases, while the Mukhya Mantri Green Adoption Yojana and guidelines for e-taxi hiring promote environmental sustainability. Additionally, departmental restructuring aims to enhance public infrastructure delivery, demonstrating a comprehensive drive towards balanced, sustainable development.Read more

23 May 2025

Earlier this week, Maharashtra unveiled a transformative housing policy aimed at addressing the housing needs of low-income groups, senior citizens, women, industrial workers, and students with an ambitious INR 70,000 crore investment. The policy, framed under the slogan 'My Home My Right', promises inclusive, affordable, and sustainable housing solutions spanning slum rehabilitation to redevelopment. It introduces a centralised AI-driven portal 'Maha Awaas' for transparency and coordination, creation of land banks, promotion of green buildings, and dedicated redevelopment support. The initiative aligns with broader economic goals, aiming to provide 3.5 million homes by 2030, while reinforcing the state's vision for sustainable urban and rural development.Read more

22 May 2025

In a serious breach of urban planning norms, a 23-foot-wide nullah (drain) in Vasai's Kaman area has reportedly been illegally narrowed to just 6 feet, raising fears of flooding ahead of the monsoon. Concrete walls and encroachments by landowners are being blamed for the blockage. In response, the Vasai-Virar Municipal Corporation (VVMC) has ordered the illegal constructions to be removed and the nullah to be restored to its original width. With repeated flooding complaints from local residents, the civic body has also approached police and revenue officials to ensure compliance, warning that failure to act could worsen monsoon flooding.Read more