03 Feb 2025

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has independently addressed illegal mining activities that caused the leveling of an Aravali Hill along the Haryana-Rajasthan border. Acting on a report, the tribunal highlighted widespread violations by the mining mafia, who detonated protected hillocks in Nuh and exploited regulatory gaps in neighbouring Rajasthan. Officials from Haryana's mining department confirmed fresh evidence of stone extraction, estimating the loss of 6,000 metric tonnes of material. The NGT directed pollution control boards, the Union Ministry of Environment, and district magistrates of Nuh and Bharatpur to respond via affidavits before the next hearing scheduled for May 5.Read more

03 Feb 2025

The ongoing construction activities within Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation's (NMMC) jurisdiction have led to excessive noise and air pollution, primarily due to basement excavation. In response, the Hon'ble High Court of Mumbai passed an order in 2023 mandating pollution control measures. Based on this directive and public complaints, the NMMC, under the guidance of Municipal Commissioner Dr. Kailash Shinde, formulated and implemented a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) on 1 August 2024. During inspections, violations of the SOP were identified, leading to notices being issued to 87 developers, with fines amounting to INR 1.40 crore collected. The NMMC is now taking stricter actions, including stop-work notices, against persistent offenders, reinforcing its commitment to pollution control.Read more

03 Feb 2025

The Haryana government's town and country planning department has overhauled its builder licensing process to improve efficiency and safeguard homebuyers. Effective January 13, builders will now provide proof of financial capacity only at the license stage, aligning it with the project's total cost. This revision eliminates the earlier dual-assessment system that delayed project approvals. Collaborating entities must also demonstrate financial adequacy. The move aims to streamline approvals, enhance transparency, and boost homebuyer confidence amidst Haryana's growing real estate market. By reducing bureaucratic delays and ensuring financial accountability, the government seeks to foster responsible development and timely project completions.Read more

03 Feb 2025

Kolkata's urban development department has issued new guidelines to address the issue of tilting buildings in areas like Salt Lake and New Town. Building owners must submit detailed proposals, including soil test reports and lifting mechanisms, to their local civic body for review. Structural engineers and licensed agencies will oversee the process to ensure safety compliance. The guidelines emphasize soil stability assessments and professional supervision to mitigate risks. Residents are encouraged to report signs of tilting to local authorities promptly. These measures aim to enhance urban safety, protect structural integrity, and create a safer living environment in Kolkata.Read more

03 Feb 2025

The Odisha government plans to extend its town planning scheme from Bhubaneswar to Sambalpur and Rourkela to enhance urban infrastructure. Currently, only 17% of the state's urban areas have planned townships, with a goal to increase this to 30% by 2036. Housing and Urban Development Minister Krushna Chandra Mahapatra emphasized the need for structured urban growth. The initiative allows landowners to contribute land for redevelopment, receiving 60% back with improved infrastructure. Officials also discussed challenges in apartment and plot registrations. The expansion aims to create sustainable cities, addressing rising urban migration and ensuring better living standards.Read more

31 Jan 2025

The Bengaluru Development Authority (BDA) reclaimed property worth INR 120 crore in Malagala village, Nagarabhavi Layout, which had been illegally occupied for over two decades. The land, owned by BDA, had been claimed by an individual as his ancestral property, and unauthorized structures were constructed. This move is part of BDA's broader effort to address widespread land encroachments in the city. The action follows a similar demolition drive in the Machohalli area of Nagarabhavi Layout, where several illegal structures were removed last week.Read more

31 Jan 2025

The Vasai Virar City Municipal Corporation (VVMC) is demolishing 41 unauthorised buildings in Achole, Nalasopara East, constructed on land reserved for civic amenities. Built without approvals between 2010 and 2012, these structures have displaced thousands. Despite political assurances, residents were forcibly evicted, with their belongings left on the streets. Legal action followed a public interest petition, with courts ordering the demolition of these illegal constructions. The evictions reflect the human cost of systemic corruption and poor governance in urban development.Read more

31 Jan 2025

The Urban Development and Housing (UDH) department has extended the construction timeline for Jaipur Development Authority (JDA) plots by charging a repossession fee. Previously, under the Rajasthan Municipal Improvement Trust (Urban Land Execution) Rules 1974, plots were automatically cancelled if construction was not completed within the prescribed period. A recent order permits exemptions in the repossession fee for cases pending until late 2024, with the construction deadline extended until late 2025. However, previously settled cases remain unaffected, and no refunds will be issued.Read more

31 Jan 2025

The Noida Authority is making strong efforts to reclaim over 8.5 lakh sqm of unused land from Unitech, which is valued at over INR 10,000 crore, in order to recover dues of more than INR 11,000 crore. The reclaimed land spans several sectors and has remained undeveloped, despite being allotted to Unitech. Following a series of directives from the Supreme Court, Noida Authority continues to seek approval for projects in some sectors, but unresolved disputes and pending dues have hindered progress. A future hearing is scheduled to address these issues further.Read more

31 Jan 2025

The Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (GMADA) has demolished 40 under-construction structures in Nayagaon's Karoran village as part of efforts to curb unauthorized colonies. Led by Assistant Town Planner Gagandeep Singh and Junior Engineer Kushal Sharma, the operation aims to enforce urban planning regulations and protect public resources. The surge in illegal colonies due to rising housing demand has raised concerns over infrastructure and planning deficiencies. GMADA is working on partnerships with private developers to provide affordable, legally compliant housing options while urging residents to avoid investing in unauthorized properties to prevent legal risks.Read more