Planning a new land bank devoted to affordable residential projects is a major step taken by the Mussoorie Dehradun Development Authority to meet the rising demand for housing. This initiative follows the success of earlier housing schemes and responds to increasing population pressures and displacement caused by encroachment drives. Alongside approving a substantial budget for the next fiscal year, the MDDA is also promoting industrial growth through land pooling to attract IT companies. This integrated approach seeks to balance urban development with economic expansion, ensuring sustainable growth in the region.Read more

The Punjab Cabinet has approved a new Land Pooling Policy aimed at facilitating urban development without forcibly acquiring land. Announced by Cabinet Minister Aman Arora, the policy gives landowners three choices: transfer land to the government, partner with private developers, or undertake development themselves. The first phase will launch in 27 major cities across Punjab. Under the scheme, landowners surrendering one acre will receive a developed 1,000-square-yard residential plot and a 200-square-yard commercial plot. Those contributing nine acres can reclaim three acres for group housing projects. The policy, chaired by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, is positioned as a transparent, fair approach to land use planning. The government aims to counter opposition criticism by ensuring clear communication and effective implementation.Read more

The Karnataka High Court has annulled a land acquisition process initiated by the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) in 2001 for a residential project in North Bengaluru. The court ruled that the BDA's failure to complete the acquisition within the mandated timeframe invalidated the entire process. Landowners had petitioned against the prolonged delays and lack of procedural compliance. Legal experts see this as a landmark judgment affirming landowners' rights and urging authorities to follow due process in acquisitions. The BDA, a key player in Bengaluru's urban development, has often faced disputes over delayed compensation and acquisitions. This ruling highlights the need for transparency and timeliness in land acquisition, setting a vital precedent as Bengaluru's urban expansion continues. It reinforces that development must respect legal safeguards and ensure fair treatment of landowners.Read more

The Madhya Pradesh Housing and Infrastructure Development Board (MPHIDB) has launched construction on a major residential redevelopment at Indore's former Hukumchand Mill site. The 7-hectare land, dormant since the mill's closure in 1992, will now host eco-friendly residential complexes, commercial spaces, and green areas. The project follows the state government's INR 464 crore compensation settlement for mill employees, resolving a 30-year labour dispute. An architect has been appointed to lead design and planning, with sustainability features like solar panels, rainwater harvesting, and dedicated ground-floor parking included. The redevelopment aligns with Indore's urban renewal vision. Concurrently, MPHIDB will re-densify the ageing MIG Colony and nearby shopping complex, integrating institutions like Shri Vaishnav Polytechnic College. These initiatives reflect Indore's focus on modern, sustainable city planning and the transformation of legacy industrial land into vibrant residential hubs.Read more

In a decisive move to alleviate traffic congestion and advance urban infrastructure, the Coimbatore City Municipal Corporation (CCMC) initiated the eviction of over ten commercial establishments encroaching upon Dr. Rajendraprasad Road adjacent to the Sanganoor Canal. This action is part of a long-delayed road widening project aimed at expanding the thoroughfare to 100 feet, thereby improving connectivity between Sathyamangalam Road and Avinashi Road. While commercial evictions are underway, residential structures are slated for removal only after alternative housing is secured through the Tamil Nadu Urban Habitat Development Board. The broader initiative includes a proposed INR 235 crore second phase to rejuvenate the canal and enhance urban mobility.Read more

Indian Hotels Company Ltd (IHCL) has made a significant stride into luxury wildlife hospitality by signing agreements for three upscale lodges in South Africa's Balule Game Reserve, part of the renowned Kruger National Park. The properties include the 30-key Taj Lion Kings Hilltop Tented Camp and two intimate six-key lodges: Taj Lion Kings Bush Lodge and Taj Lion Kings River Lodge. This expansion under the iconic Taj brand underscores IHCL's commitment to responsible tourism, aiming to provide guests with an immersive, authentic nature experience. Partnering with OM USA LLC further supports IHCL's vision of combining luxury with ecological sensitivity in a globally acclaimed wildlife destination.Read more

The Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) is advancing its efforts to extend the Dr. K. Shivaram Karanth Layout by acquiring an additional 3,000 acres across 18 villages in Yelahanka and Bengaluru North taluks. This move aims to satisfy the rising demand for residential plots in northern Bengaluru. While the current phase with around 30,000 plots is approaching completion, the BDA has set a three-month deadline to finalise outstanding infrastructure work. The expansion strategically aligns with the proposed Peripheral Ring Road (PRR), which will significantly enhance connectivity and accessibility. Nonetheless, land acquisition challenges and compensation disputes remain critical issues that the BDA must address.Read more

The Telangana government is set to launch a land survey in 413 villages lacking formal maps and sethwars, foundational land record documents. This initiative precedes the Bhu Bharati Act's statewide land survey. Some villages, like Laxmapur in Medchal Malkajgiri, have no records at all. A pilot survey will first be conducted in five villages across different districts. Using drone-based aerial surveys and ground truthing, geo-referenced cadastral maps and updated ownership records will be created. Survey firms like RV Associates and Drogo Drones are involved. The pilot will conclude in two to three months, with full-scale implementation and financing explored thereafter.Read more

In a significant move, the Bombay High Court upheld rules that restrict the transfer of tribal agricultural land to non-tribals, reinforcing legal provisions that have existed for over two decades. The court ruled that these rules, rooted in the Maharashtra Land Revenue Code, are valid and designed to protect the interests of tribals. The verdict came after a challenge questioning the constitutionality of a clause in the Maharashtra Land Revenue Code, 1966, and its later amendments, especially those made in 1975. The ruling maintains that only non-agricultural use is permissible in tribal-to-non-tribal land transfers, a move the court found both legally and socially justified.Read more

Uttarakhand's tourism sector has gained significant momentum owing to robust infrastructure development, enhanced healthcare services, and improved accessibility. Under the guidance of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, Chief Minister Shri Pushkar Singh Dhami has been actively implementing the AYUSH Policy 2023, aimed at transforming the state into a hub of wellness and health tourism. The spiritual significance of the Char Dham Yatra, coupled with modern facilities for pilgrims, is fuelling growth in footfall. Focused efforts on high-altitude healthcare, road connectivity, and medical emergency readiness are reshaping the state's appeal as a holistic destination for spiritual and wellness-based experiences.Read more

CBRE recently released its Q1 2025 Asia Pacific Cap Rate Survey, offering insights into regional capital markets and investor sentiment. The report indicated an 11% year-on-year surge in commercial real estate investment to USD 33 billion, driven by lower interest rates and asset repricing. Despite concerns about newly introduced tariffs, particularly among investors in Mainland China, Hong Kong, and Singapore, the broader market has remained resilient. Notably, cap rate divergence emerged across the region, with compression in Australia and pressure in Greater China. Investor interest has intensified in sectors such as Australian retail, multifamily housing, and data centres, pointing to a promising outlook.Read more

The Odisha government is undertaking a comprehensive reform to simplify its outdated and overly complex land classification and ownership systems. With more than 7,000 land-use types and nearly 3,000 forms of land ownership rooted in colonial-era laws, the administration is now streamlining these into 27 use categories and a simplified set of ownership types. This initiative aims to bring transparency, legal clarity, and administrative efficiency. Additional reforms, including updated property conversion fees, new urban planning regulations, and legal safeguards for SC/ST land rights, complement this overhaul. The state is also repealing obsolete statutes and responding to recent judicial guidance on land titles.Read more

The Odisha government is undertaking a comprehensive reform to simplify its outdated and overly complex land classification and ownership systems. With more than 7,000 land-use types and nearly 3,000 forms of land ownership rooted in colonial-era laws, the administration is now streamlining these into 27 use categories and a simplified set of ownership types. This initiative aims to bring transparency, legal clarity, and administrative efficiency. Additional reforms, including updated property conversion fees, new urban planning regulations, and legal safeguards for SC/ST land rights, complement this overhaul. The state is also repealing obsolete statutes and responding to recent judicial guidance on land titles.Read more