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

12 May 2025

Mumbai Police's Economic Offences Wing (EOW) has filed an FIR against 13 individuals-including five contractors, three middlemen, and five current or former BMC officials-in a desilting scam involving fake documents and inflated bills worth INR 66.5 crore. The accused allegedly submitted forged MoUs and agreements to falsely claim silt dumping at sites that were either unsuitable or non-existent, some even signed by deceased individuals. The scam, spanning February 2021 to December 2023, resulted in civic funds being misused. The case underscores serious lapses in municipal oversight, prompting calls for stricter audits and real-time verification in public infrastructure contracts. Further arrests are expected.Read more

12 May 2025

The Jharkhand High Court ordered the state government earlier this week to give a clear schedule for finishing the land survey, which started in 1975 before the state split off from Bihar. The directive emerged during the hearing of a Public Interest Litigation filed by Gokul Chand, who highlighted the prolonged delay and its adverse effects on land ownership clarity. The court also sought information regarding the appointment of amins and other technical staff essential for the survey's completion. The absence of qualified personnel has been a significant impediment, leading to disputes over land ownership and hindering development projects.Read more

09 May 2025

The District Magistrate of Patna, Chandrashekhar Singh, issued an order earlier this week to resolve all land mutation cases that have been pending for more than 75 days by the end of this month in an effort to increase administrative efficiency. The move targets key blocks such as Sampatchak, Bihta, Didarganj, Dhanrua, and Naubatpur, where the bulk of the backlog totalling around 14,108 cases remains. As part of the larger initiative to digitize and increase transparency in land-related services, the Patna Municipal Corporation has launched an online facility to expedite property mutation and tax assessments, and the Bihar government has implemented corrective measures to address procedural delays.Read more

09 May 2025

BBMP has implemented stringent regulations centered on safety, hygienic practices, and legal compliance in an attempt to control the rapidly growing PG lodging industry. The civic body has identified numerous unauthorized PGs and has already sealed several non-compliant establishments. Key mandates include minimum space per occupant, adequate water supply, CCTV surveillance, fire safety measures, and proper licensing. These actions aim to safeguard residents and restore order in residential areas affected by unregulated PG operations.Read more

09 May 2025

The Revenue and Disaster Management Department's proposal to change the state's land market rate fixation policy was accepted by the Haryana Cabinet earlier this week. Initially notified in November 2021, the policy aimed to standardize land valuation across various government entities to prevent legal inconsistencies. The recent amendment aligns the state's policy with the Central Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013. Key changes include adjusting compensation rates and simplifying procedural requirements, reflecting the government's commitment to enhancing transparency and efficiency in land transactions.Read more

09 May 2025

The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) recently conducted an anti-encroachment drive in Durgamata Nagar, Sector-08, Belapur, removing 64 illegal huts built on government land. Led by Commissioner Dr Kailas Shinde and supported by senior officials, the operation involved heavy machinery, 22 workers, and police personnel. This action is part of NMMC's ongoing campaign to curb unauthorised constructions and protect urban planning norms. Officials have pledged to intensify such efforts in the future, underscoring their commitment to preventing the spread of illegal structures and maintaining orderly city development.Read more

09 May 2025

The Chandigarh government destroyed Janta Colony, the biggest illegal slum in the city, which was situated in Sector 25 earlier this week. Approximately 2,500 unauthorized structures were razed, displacing around 5,000 residents. The reclaimed 10-acre site, valued at INR 350 crore, is slated for redevelopment into civic infrastructure, including a dispensary, primary school, community center, and shopping area. This move is part of the administration's ongoing efforts to eliminate slums and reclaim encroached government land.Read more

09 May 2025

The West Bengal government has announced a ban on the separate sale or transfer of terrace rights for commercial purposes. This decision follows concerns over safety hazards, including unauthorized rooftop constructions and fire risks. The new guidelines mandate that terraces remain common areas with unrestricted access for all residents. Additionally, the minimum plot size for commercial construction in areas like Salt Lake and Sector V has been set at 8 cottah.Read more

09 May 2025

HDFC Capital Advisors and HDFC Capital Affordable Real Estate Fund-I (HCARE-1), its managed Alternative Investment Fund (AIF), settled with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) earlier this week over a purported breach of AIF rules. The settlement came after the payment of INR 36 lakh and was initiated through suo motu applications by the firm. The case originated from investments made in 2016 in Acme Realties and Ascent Construction, where funds were allegedly used to service existing debt to HDFC Ltd (now HDFC Bank), which raised concerns about conflicts of interest. SEBI's settlement order specifies that no further action will be taken unless misrepresentation or breach of the settlement terms occurs.Read more