17 Apr 2025

The Bombay High Court at Goa has instructed the state government to probe the alleged misuse of the 20-point program in Socorro, Bardez, a housing scheme meant to support economically weaker sections. The directive was issued in response to a petition filed by a resident who accused the authorities of turning a blind eye to the unauthorized and commercial use of homes constructed under the scheme. The court has now tasked the deputy collector of Bardez with investigating the matter and submitting a report to the North Goa collector within six months.Read more

17 Apr 2025

The Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) is making significant progress on the Dr. Shivaram Karanth Layout in North Bengaluru, with over 30,000 plots under development. Approximately 16,000 to 17,000 plots are allocated to farmers who contributed land, while 7,000 to 8,000 plots are designated for public allotment. The BDA has set the price at INR 4,900 per square foot, making a 30x40 site cost around INR 58.8 lakh. Despite 80% of the work being completed, including road construction and utility installations, the allotment process awaits clearance from the High Court due to pending legal issues related to land acquisition. Contractors have been given a three-month deadline to complete the remaining infrastructure work.Read more

17 Apr 2025

The Andhra Pradesh government, under the leadership of HRD and IT Minister Nara Lokesh, has initiated a free registration drive for house sites allocated to economically weaker sections in Mangalagiri. Beneficiaries will receive full ownership rights after two years. This initiative, which falls under the 'Mana Illu - Mana Lokesh' program, has already covered more than 1,030 families, including over 430 earlier this week. The minister also announced a series of infrastructure projects, such as a 100-bed hospital, improved roads, and urban drainage. The drive reflects a larger development vision for Mangalagiri, coinciding with Lokesh's political resurgence.Read more

17 Apr 2025

The Haryana Real Estate Regulatory Authority (H-RERA) has urged the Department of Town and Country Planning (DTCP) to make a decisive move regarding three stalled affordable housing projects by Ocean Seven Buildtech (OSB) in Gurugram. These projects, located in Sectors 69, 70, and 109, have been inactive for over a year, leaving more than a thousand homebuyers in limbo. H-RERA has proposed two options: either reinstate OSB's licenses to allow project completion or transfer the projects to another competent agency. The situation has been exacerbated by financial irregularities, non-compliance with regulatory norms, and the suspension of OSB's licenses and bank accounts.Read more

16 Apr 2025

Mumbai is set to revamp its construction and demolition (C&D) waste management following the Centre's 2025 rules, effective from April 2026. Key to this shift is the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework, requiring developers and contractors to register, track waste, and meet recycling targets. With over 8,500 tons of C&D waste generated daily and current recycling capacity limited to 1,200 tons, BMC plans a third plant at Deonar. A new mobile app will track waste movement to curb illegal dumping. These reforms aim to enforce eco-friendly practices, boost recycling, and ensure traceability-marking a crucial step toward sustainable urban development in Mumbai.Read more

16 Apr 2025

Allottees of Nadaprabhu Kempegowda Layout (NPKL) appeared before K-RERA demanding compensation from BDA for long delays in providing basic infrastructure like roads, water, and sewage. During the hearing, the allottees urged K-RERA to direct BDA to pay interest-based compensation and proposed a monthly interim amount for each month of delay. They also suggested forming a supervisory committee to monitor progress, similar to one appointed by the Supreme Court in another layout case. BDA blamed land acquisition and administrative issues. K-RERA chairman acknowledged the allottees' claims and promised action. Another hearing is scheduled for next month.Read more

16 Apr 2025

To boost Andhra Pradesh's real estate sector amid declining registration revenues, the government has empowered newly formed Urban Development Authorities (UDAs) to independently approve building plans without routing them through the Director of Town and Country Planning. This move follows previous concessions like relaxed layout and building rules and time-bound approvals at municipal levels, which failed to significantly revive the sector. Now, vice-chairpersons of ten UDAs-including Eluru, Kadapa, Ongole, Chittoor, and Kuppam-can directly grant approvals for all development permissions under the APMRUDA Act. This decentralization aims to expedite construction activity and stimulate economic growth in small towns across the state.Read more

16 Apr 2025

In a significant move to uplift the underprivileged, Maradu Municipality in Kochi provided land deeds to five extremely poor families. Each family received three cents of land, valued at approximately INR 2.7 lakh, funded entirely by the municipality's own resources. These beneficiaries will also be integrated into the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), ensuring assistance for constructing their homes. Additionally, residential flats built for eight Scheduled Caste families are set to be handed over in the coming week, reflecting the municipality's ongoing commitment to social welfare.Read more

16 Apr 2025

In Hyderabad, a builder of the Aparna Serenity project in Petbasheerabad approached the Telangana Real Estate Regulatory Authority (TGRERA) earlier this week, raising concerns about unauthorized structural modifications made by two residents. The builder cited potential risks to the building's structural integrity and invoked Section 36 of the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act to seek interim relief. TGRERA, upon reviewing the case, ordered a status quo, restraining the residents from making further alterations until a final decision is reached.Read more

16 Apr 2025

The Secunderabad Cantonment Board has released draft building bye-laws to align with Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) standards. The revised rules introduce a four-zone system based on road width and land use, aiming to guide planned development. Stricter penalties are proposed to tackle unauthorised construction, along with clear guidelines for residential, commercial, educational, and public buildings. The draft also focuses on safety and sustainability, mandating features like fire safety, parking, rainwater harvesting, and rooftop solar panels. Framed under the Cantonments Act, 2006, and National Building Code, 2016, the draft is now open for public feedback before finalisation.Read more