14 May 2025

The Karnataka government has introduced the Greater Bengaluru Governance Act (GBGA), 2024, to restructure Bengaluru's civic administration. Replacing the BBMP Act of 2021, the GBGA enables the creation of multiple municipal corporations and establishes the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA), chaired by Chief Minister Shri Siddaramaiah. Covering the current 709 sq km BBMP area, the GBA will oversee urban planning, infrastructure, and mobility projects. While the existing BBMP will be dissolved, a restructured civic body will continue operations during the transition. The Act also aims to strengthen ward committees to improve accountability and efficiency, with reorganization to begin after formal notification.Read more

14 May 2025

The state government has been urged by the Odisha Real Estate Regulatory Authority (ORERA) in Bhubaneswar to order planning authorities to enforce the requirement that two-thirds of allottees must give their consent before any changes are made to housing projects. This appeal follows revelations that several developers have been bypassing this provision, securing approvals for revised building plans without informing or obtaining consent from homebuyers. ORERA highlighted instances where planning authorities approved project roads on government or third-party land, posing future access issues for residents. The authority emphasized that the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016, supersedes the Odisha Development Authority Act, necessitating strict adherence to its provisions.Read more

13 May 2025

The Bombay High Court has permitted the BMC to construct a 50-metre-wide road through mangrove buffer zones in Malad West, citing compliance with environmental regulations and public necessity. The project, affecting 3.5 hectares and 37 mangrove trees, had received clearances from both the MCZMA and the Ministry of Environment. The court referred to a 2018 Supreme Court ruling that allowed such projects if proposed before the order and with due approvals. With legal and environmental approvals in place, the BMC is now set to proceed with the long-pending infrastructure work aimed at improving connectivity while implementing mitigation measures to limit ecological damage.Read more

13 May 2025

The Lucknow Development Authority (LDA) has launched mandatory safety and structural audits for high-rise buildings over 15 metres tall and more than five years old, following the 2023 Harmilap Tower collapse that claimed eight lives. As per new bylaws, owners must conduct audits every five years through LDA-approved firms and rectify any deficiencies within a set timeframe to avoid penalties. The audits cover structural risks, life safety, and fire protocols. Public input, including 1,100 suggestions, is shaping ongoing reforms-such as a proposed increase in road width requirements. The initiative underscores LDA's commitment to urban safety, accountability, and responsive governance.Read more

13 May 2025

The Noida Authority has launched a drone-based aerial surveillance initiative to crack down on illegal constructions along the Hindon and Yamuna floodplains. Spearheaded by CEO Lokesh M, the move targets unauthorized farmhouses and infrastructure, with a strict zero-tolerance policy in place. A multi-departmental task force, led by the local SDM, will oversee demolitions and report progress. Officials found negligent post-survey will face departmental action. Developers selling floodplain properties will be labeled land mafias, and sale deeds must now clearly prohibit construction in these zones. This pre-monsoon crackdown combines technology and enforcement to protect ecological areas and prevent unregulated urban expansion.Read more

13 May 2025

The Bombay High Court has granted interim relief to landowners challenging the imposition of GST on the transfer of development rights under joint development agreements (JDAs). The petitioners argue that such transfers constitute a sale of land-exempt from GST-rather than a taxable supply of services. The court has restrained authorities from enforcing tax demands until further hearings, noting that the case raises significant questions about taxability, timing, and liability. The outcome could reshape GST treatment of JDAs, offering potential clarity and relief to landowners and developers. Authorities have been directed to respond within four weeks as the case proceeds.Read more

13 May 2025

Noida Authority has initiated recovery proceedings against Sikka Infrastructure for outstanding dues amounting to INR 277 crore as of March 31, 2025. The dues pertain to a group housing plot in Sector 143B, allotted to the company in June 2011. Despite multiple reminders and notices, Sikka Infrastructure failed to clear the dues. Consequently, the company lost its eligibility for benefits under the state government's policy announced in December 2023 to assist stalled real estate projects. The Authority has now referred the matter to the Economic Offences Wing for further action.Read more

13 May 2025

Indian Hotels Company Ltd (IHCL) has joined forces with United Way Mumbai to carry out daily beach clean-up and waste management activities in Mumbai. This initiative, aimed at promoting sustainable waste management practices, involves the deployment of Safai Sathis at Mahim Reti Bunder and Mahim Causeway. Over a six-month period, from October 2024 to March 2025, the project successfully collected 1,12,097.37 kgs of waste, which was processed at a Material Recovery Centre (MRC). IHCL's collaboration underscores the importance of public-private partnerships in addressing environmental challenges while contributing to a cleaner Mumbai.Read more

13 May 2025

CREDAI-MCHI hosted a seminar earlier this week at its Mumbai office to shed light on the implications of the recent Bombay High Court ruling concerning GST relief for homeowners in redevelopment projects. The panel featured industry experts, including Mr. Sunny Bijlani, Joint Secretary of CREDAI-MCHI, Mr. Rohit Jain, Deputy Managing Partner at Economic Laws Practice (ELP), and Mr. Harsh Shah, Partner at ELP. The court ruled that GST is not applicable where developers are appointed for redevelopment without the sale or transfer of development rights (TDR) or Floor Space Index (FSI). The judgement quashed a tax demand under Entry 5B of the relevant GST notification, emphasising that redevelopment agreements limited to construction do not involve the transfer of TDR or FSI under Maharashtra's Unified DCPR.Read more

12 May 2025

Tamil Nadu's government has launched a significant housing initiative under the 'Kalaignarin Kanavu Illam' scheme, which aims to replace thatched huts with durable concrete houses in rural areas. With an initial budget of INR 3,500 crore, the scheme plans to build 100,000 houses in its first phase. The houses will be equipped with essential amenities, including water facilities, toilets, and roads. Beneficiaries must possess legal ownership documents, with the broader objective of a 'hut-free' state by 2030.Read more