17 Jan 2025

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has warned Odisha state authorities, including the chief secretary, of heavy fines over illegal constructions at Tampara Lake, a Ramsar site in Ganjam district. The NGT criticized the state's inaction, noting a 16-month delay in responding to a petition by the Wildlife Society of Orissa (WSO) seeking the removal of illegal structures. The constructions, reportedly part of the Swadesh Darshan scheme, lack environmental impact assessments and necessary approvals. Tampara Lake, vital for biodiversity and tourism, faces ecological risks. The NGT's firm stance highlights the urgency of safeguarding ecologically sensitive areas against unregulated development.Read more

17 Jan 2025

The Maharashtra Real Estate Regulatory Authority (MahaRERA) has introduced a two-year tenure limit for representatives of Self-Regulatory Organisations (SROs) to prevent conflicts of interest and ensure domain expertise. The move aims to streamline the registration process for housing projects by appointing specialists in legal, financial, and technical matters. MahaRERA has instructed the seven recognised SROs, including NAREDCO West Foundation and CREDAI-MCHI, to replace representatives exceeding the tenure limit. The decision underscores the regulator's commitment to ensuring efficient project scrutiny and expeditious issuance of registration numbers.Read more

16 Jan 2025

The Mumbai Metropolitan Region is addressing traffic and pollution challenges with a Certified Parking Area (CPA) policy requiring proof of parking for new four-wheeler registrations. Proposed by state transport commissioner Vivek Bhimanwar, the plan involves CPA certificates issued by the BMC and aims to curb congestion and promote urban mobility. Inspired by global models from cities like London and Tokyo, the policy will roll out alongside improved public transport. While experts warn of challenges, including parking disparities and potential misuse by builders, authorities are seeking public feedback to refine the policy. The initiative is a step toward sustainable urban living in Mumbai.Read more

16 Jan 2025

The Uttar Pradesh government is launching a comprehensive survey of over 42,000 industrial units across seven industrial authorities, including Noida, Greater Noida, and YEIDA, to assess operational status and identify available land. Coordinated by UPSIDA and aided by a mobile app for real-time data collection, the survey aims to support Uttar Pradesh's $1 trillion economy target. It will detail land use, industry type, and operational metrics, focusing on repurposing defunct plots for new projects. Agencies will be selected for efficient data collection within four months, enhancing planning, investment, and job creation across the state's industrial landscape.Read more

16 Jan 2025

The Maharashtra Real Estate Regulatory Authority (MahaRERA) has garnered a substantial response to the 10,773 notices issued to developers of lapsed housing projects. Out of these, 5,324 developers have responded, with many submitting occupancy certificates or seeking deadline extensions. Strict actions, including freezing bank accounts and halting transactions, have been implemented against 1,950 non-compliant projects, with similar measures underway for an additional 3,499. MahaRERA emphasises regular updates on project progress, aiming to enhance transparency and protect homebuyers' interests.Read more

16 Jan 2025

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has instructed the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) to respond within two weeks regarding its demolition order for a Naroa, Bicholim structure, claimed to predate 1991. The applicant argues the September 2024 order violated due process, as they were not notified beforehand. Despite multiple summons, GCZMA's absence led the NGT to mandate maintaining the property's status quo until the January 28, 2025 hearing. This case raises broader concerns about coastal regulations and transparency in Goa, sparking debates on balancing environmental protections with property rights in the state's ecologically sensitive coastal areas.Read more

16 Jan 2025

The Municipal Corporation of Gurugram (MCG) is boosting communication with Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) through meetings on January 9 and 10, targeting Zones 1 and 2, with similar gatherings planned for other zones. MCG Commissioner Ashok Kumar Garg aims to understand and address residents' challenges, complementing this initiative with "samadhan camps" for resolving property tax and infrastructure complaints on the spot. Emphasizing swift action, Garg has directed zonal officers to inspect and address issues like sewer overflow promptly. These efforts highlight MCG's commitment to fostering community dialogue and improving service delivery, setting a model for citizen-centric urban governance.Read more

16 Jan 2025

The Allahabad High Court rebuked the Lucknow Development Authority and Lucknow Municipal Corporation for delaying the demolition of illegal structures declared unlawful decades ago. The court demanded the principal secretary of housing and urban planning outline measures to address illegal constructions and prevent future violations. Highlighting urban planning as the state's primary responsibility, the court pointed out the need for proactive governance to ensure public welfare. It expressed dismay over the failure to enforce demolition orders issued in 2012 and warned of strict accountability. The case underscores the urgent need for effective urban regulation and adherence to developmental norms.Read more

16 Jan 2025

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has announced a three-month campaign from January to March 2025, targeting unauthorized constructions and enhancing property tax collections. Under Section 152(A) of the Mumbai Municipal Corporation Act, violators face a 200% penalty on property taxes, with demolition actions for non-compliance. Led by Additional Municipal Commissioner Ashwini Joshi, the initiative aims to ensure safety, compliance, and increased revenue before the financial year ends. Assistant Commissioner Vinayak Vispute emphasized proactive monitoring and public cooperation to foster adherence to construction regulations. The campaign reflects the BMC's commitment to creating a sustainable and organized urban environment for Mumbai's residents.Read more

15 Jan 2025

The Noida Authority, with local officials, reclaimed 150 acres of Hindon River floodplain land in Sorkha village, valued at INR 480 crore, from illegal colonizers. A demolition drive, involving 50 personnel, dismantled unauthorized boundary walls and plots. CEO Lokesh M warned against buying illegal properties, stressing financial risks. Additionally, an unauthorized building in Wajidpur village was sealed after defying notices and court orders. Over 200 unauthorized structures in the region have been identified for legal action. This proactive effort underscores the need for vigilance in real estate transactions and the importance of adhering to legal guidelines to prevent land encroachment.Read more