07 Mar 2025

The Calcutta High Court has directed Darjeeling municipality to prohibit unauthorized construction on Mall Road while hearing a case against alleged illegal development. The municipality defended its actions, stating that the current work is part of a Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA)-funded beautification project, including road expansion and hawker relocation. However, the petitioner presented an RTI response suggesting GTA was constructing a structure near Sunflower Hotel. The court has now ordered GTA's inclusion in the case and requested a detailed project report. The final ruling will determine if the redevelopment aligns with legal requirements.Read more

07 Mar 2025

The Greater Ludhiana Area Development Authority (GLADA) conducted an eviction drive in Sector 40, Chandigarh Road, removing illegal occupants from three low-income group flats. These flats were part of a court case over unauthorized occupancy. GLADA initially built 319 flats, of which 82 were illegally taken over. After previous evictions, only three units remained occupied, which were cleared by breaking locks and sealing the flats. This effort is part of GLADA's wider crackdown on illegal housing and encroachments. The authority continues to issue warnings and demolish unauthorized settlements, ensuring that government housing is used lawfully and benefits rightful beneficiaries.Read more

07 Mar 2025

The Indore Municipal Corporation (IMC) recently conducted demolition drives in Khajrana and Nipania, targeting illegal constructions. In Khajrana, a three-story building and an unauthorized commercial structure were demolished due to lack of permits, despite prior warnings. In Nipania, illegal encroachments at Tanya Resort, including a clubhouse and pool, were removed. IMC officials emphasized that these actions followed repeated notifications ignored by property owners. This reflects IMC's ongoing efforts to enforce zoning regulations and prevent unplanned development, as demonstrated by past demolitions in Chhoti Khajrani and Khajrana Main Road. The IMC aims to ensure adherence to municipal norms for better urban planning.Read more

07 Mar 2025

The Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) is under scrutiny after a Lokayukta report revealed 1,055 site allotments under the controversial 50-50 scheme (2016-2024). Originally meant to compensate landowners, the scheme allegedly saw irregular allotments in upscale areas, raising transparency concerns. A 2017 High Court ruling worsened MUDA's financial losses. Allegations surfaced of up to 4,000 sites being allocated improperly, though the investigation confirms 1,055. The Lokayukta has urged a deeper probe, and a Bengaluru special court will decide on expanding the investigation.Read more

07 Mar 2025

The Gujarat government has introduced new rules to regulate transfer fees in co-operative housing societies, making property transactions more transparent and affordable. Under the Gujarat Co-operative Societies (Amendment) Rules, 2025, societies cannot charge more than 0.5% of the sale value or INR 1 lakh, whichever is lower. Additional charges like development fees, donations, or contributions to funds are also banned. If a property is inherited, no transfer fee applies. The move addresses concerns over arbitrary charges and aims to protect homebuyers. Experts have welcomed the reform, calling it a crucial step in ensuring fair and transparent property transfers.Read more

07 Mar 2025

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has directed officials to resolve land acquisition disputes in Agra through amicable negotiations with farmers. Land aggregation in Rahankalan and Raipur is crucial for urban expansion, but compensation issues have led to protests. In a high-level review meeting, Yogi emphasized structured urban development across seven key cities to support Uttar Pradesh's USD 1 trillion economy goal. Plans include 100 new townships, hospitals, and hotels, along with slum redevelopment and GIS-based master plans for 59 cities. He also pushed for a centralized digital approval system and faster completion of metro and convention center projects.Read more

06 Mar 2025

The Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) buildings department sanctioned four building plans for small plots ranging from 450 to 1,500 square feet in Garia and nearby areas off EM Bypass earlier this week. Prior to this, two small plots in the Kasba-Garfa belt and Patuli had also received approval. In an effort to curb unauthorised constructions, KMC has introduced amendments to existing building regulations, encouraging small plot owners to submit plans for approval. The relaxations will be applicable to plots between 350 and 2,100 square feet, provided the owners engage an architect or structural engineer for compliance. The initiative, which includes colony and thika land, may be expanded based on public response.Read more

06 Mar 2025

The Bombay High Court recently inquired whether the state government had disbursed INR 3.12 lakh in compensation to a landowner for property acquired by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) for road widening in Mulund. The matter stemmed from a petition based on a letter by 96-year-old Laxmi Adhav, who sought enforcement of the court's directives from a judgment issued in September 2005. While BMC claimed compliance, Adhav contended that her land was acquired in three phases-1957, 1968, and 1972. However, the court found no records supporting the 1957 claim. Compensation directives were issued for portions acquired in 1968 and 1972.Read more

06 Mar 2025

The Supreme Court has dismissed an appeal filed by residents against the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) notice, thereby clearing the path for the redevelopment of the Bharat Nagar slum in Bandra (East). The SRA had surveyed 2,965 slum structures, finding 2,625 eligible for rehabilitation. The appellants had contested the redevelopment, claiming the plot fell under Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA) jurisdiction, but their plea was repeatedly dismissed at various levels. The Supreme Court upheld the earlier decisions, noting that the appellants were merely transit tenants, and ruled that the appeals lacked merit. It was also observed that a majority of eligible slum dwellers had already agreed to the redevelopment, making the project legally and procedurally valid.Read more

06 Mar 2025

The Housing and Urban Development Department of Bhubaneswar has assigned specific roles to the Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA) and the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) to improve affordable housing allocation. The BDA will develop housing projects and transfer them to the BMC for distribution, ensuring a smoother process. Both agencies must finalize an action plan for slum redevelopment under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana 2.0 within 15 days. A committee will address eligibility issues, while banks will help with financial support. Discussions also included the Mahisakhal Project Phase II. These efforts aim to accelerate housing distribution and provide equitable housing for slum dwellers.Read more