The Bombay High Court recently annulled the Slum Rehabilitation Authority's (SRA) acquisition of NESCO Limited's land in Goregaon (East) for a slum redevelopment project. The court determined that the acquisition violated due process under the Maharashtra Slum Areas (Improvement, Clearance and Redevelopment) Act, 1971. NESCO had contested the acquisition, asserting its right to redevelop its land and challenging the legality of the proceedings. In a surprising turn, slum dwellers supported NESCO's stance, citing issues with the previous developer.Read more

The Madhya Pradesh High Court has issued notices to retired IAS officers, a businessman, and builders over alleged illegal constructions in Bhopal's 'Whispering Palms' society near the Kaliyasot Dam. Petitioners highlighted that residents exceeded the permissible construction limit of low-density zones by over 50%, violating the Bhopal Master Plan-2005. The court has directed authorities to investigate and take action, emphasizing the importance of protecting ecologically sensitive areas and adhering to urban planning norms. Further hearings are scheduled to review compliance and measures for mitigation.Read more

Goa is set to undertake its first major land survey in more than five decades to update outdated records and identify unclaimed or vacant plots. The initiative will initially focus on urban areas, using modern geospatial technology to ensure accurate data collection. Survey officers, assisted by staff from various departments, will compile records in a central digital system, with drafts released for public feedback. The survey will facilitate better land governance, streamline property rights, and support urban planning and development initiatives across the state.Read more

The Haryana government has initiated the mapping and demarcation of 1,881 wetlands across the state, responding to a Supreme Court directive. The court's orders, issued earlier this year, emphasized the urgency of protecting these vital ecosystems from encroachment and pollution. District administrations have been tasked with verifying and marking the boundaries of these wetlands, with a deadline set for completion. This move aligns with national efforts to conserve wetlands under the Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017.Read more

Earlier this week, the Department of Town and Country Planning (DTCP) in Gurugram undertook aggressive demolition operations targeting illegal warehouses and unauthorised colonies encroaching on agricultural and revenue land. The move saw two warehouses and a long boundary wall dismantled in Bilaspur, while in Farrukhnagar multiple structures and road networks were removed. The DTCP said notices had been issued previously, but non-compliance led to the drastic action. Officials warned that similar drives will continue across other fringe zones, urging citizens to verify property approvals before investing.Read more

The Jaipur Development Authority (JDA) has revised its Master Plan 2047, expanding the number of administrative zones from 18 to 27 to manage the city's rapid growth more efficiently. The new zones primarily cover the city's peripheral areas, while the existing central business districts remain unchanged. Divisional commissioners have been temporarily assigned to oversee the new zones to ensure proper governance and urban planning. This restructuring aims to improve infrastructure management, streamline approvals, and support sustainable development as Jaipur continues to expand.Read more

Bollywood star Amitabh Bachchan has strengthened his presence in Alibaug, a coastal town near Mumbai, by acquiring three adjacent plots totaling 9,557 sq ft. The plots, part of the 'A Alibaug Phase-2' project by The House of Abhinandan Lodha, were bought for a combined INR 6.6 crore, following an earlier purchase of a 10,000 sq ft plot in the same area for INR 10 crore. These acquisitions highlight his consistent interest in luxury real estate in the region, a popular destination for high-profile individuals seeking premium second homes and villas.Read more

Godrej Properties has acquired a 26-acre land parcel near Sarjapur Road in South Bengaluru for a premium residential project with estimated revenue of around INR 1,100 crore. While the seller and deal value remain undisclosed, the acquisition highlights the company's focus on high-demand micro-markets. Gaurav Pandey, MD & CEO, emphasized Bengaluru's growth potential and the trust customers place in the brand. With a strong presence across Mumbai, Delhi-NCR, Pune, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad, Godrej continues to expand strategically in cities and corridors where residential demand is robust and infrastructure is evolving.Read more

Mahindra Lifespace Developers Ltd, the real estate arm of the Mahindra Group, acquired a 13.46-acre parcel of land in Pune's Nande-Mahalunge locality to develop a residential project with an estimated development potential of INR 3,500 crore. The firm, which withheld details of the seller, also unveiled plans to redevelop four housing societies in Malad (West), Mumbai, projecting around INR 800 crore in revenue from the sale of the free-sale component.Read more

Earlier this week, the Lucknow Development Authority (LDA) announced that it would reopen registrations for some 500 residential plots under the Anantnagar Housing Scheme coinciding with Diwali. The project, spread across 785 acres, includes plans for an Education City and modern infrastructure. Plot sizes range across multiple categories, and rates remain fixed. Additionally, the state government has approved significant funding for two new LDA housing projects - Varun Vihar and Naimish Nagar - set to further expand residential offerings in the region.Read more

The Karnataka High Court has called on the state government to create clear guidelines for land and site transactions on converted lands outside sanctioned layouts. The court emphasized that Section 17(2B) of the Karnataka Town and Country Planning Act, 1961, is meant to protect buyers while ensuring planned urban growth and adequate civic infrastructure. This move follows the dismissal of a petition where the municipality refused an e-khata for a converted plot without layout approval. The court highlighted the need for a formal regulatory framework to prevent unplanned developments.Read more

The National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) has requested an additional 8,812 square metres of land from the Haryana Shahari Vikas Pradhikaran (HSVP) for the construction of the Dharuhera station under the Namo Bharat Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) project. This revision increases the total land requirement from 16,286 square metres to 20,985 square metres. The redesign aims to enhance multimodal connectivity and ensure a 9-metre access road to the local fire station. The Haryana government has approved the revised Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the corridor.Read more

The Maharashtra government has reclassified two parcels of salt pan land in Wadala, Mumbai, from Natural Area (NA) to Residential Zone (R Zone), permitting construction activities. The 20,318.82 square meters of land will accommodate a gymkhana for the IAS Officers Association and warehouses for Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) machines. The land is not ecologically sensitive, lacking mangroves or hills, and has been temporarily used by the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Limited. The government has invited public suggestions and objections regarding this land use change.Read more

Prestige Group has set a new benchmark in Hyderabad's real estate market by acquiring an 11-acre plot in Knowledge City for INR 1,556.5 crore through a Telangana government auction. Located in Raidurg, near HITEC City and Gachibowli, the land is ideally positioned for premium office development. The auction, which raised INR 3,135 crore in total, saw strong participation from major investors, reflecting Hyderabad's rise as a global business hub. Prestige plans to expand its office portfolio to 30 million sq. ft. by 2028, aiming for INR 3,200 crore in annual rental income. This acquisition strengthens its position in India's fast-growing commercial real estate landscape.Read more

Karnataka's Land Beat app has identified about 1.5 lakh encroached government land parcels, covering 14.1 lakh acres, through a digital mapping and verification drive launched in early 2024. The tool enables village accountants to geo-fence land, upload photos or videos, and flag encroachments, forming a digital extension of the Jamabandi land record system. Officials clarified that totals may drop after detailed surveys, as even partial encroachments mark entire plots. The project's three-stage process-verification, drone-based measurement, and eviction under Section 104 of the Karnataka Land Revenue Act-is nearing completion. In Bengaluru alone, land worth INR 5,000 crore has been reclaimed, while bi-monthly drives and periodic digital updates now sustain continuous monitoring.Read more

Ghaziabad authorities have formed a four-member committee to identify illegal permanent constructions on the Yamuna floodplain in Loni. Led by Additional District Magistrate Saurabh Bhatt, the team includes the SDM of Loni, a zonal officer from the Ghaziabad Development Authority, and an irrigation department official. They are tasked with submitting a report within a month for clearance and action. The initiative follows recurring floods that required the rescue of around 400 people from unauthorized structures this year, highlighting risks from encroachments in flood-prone zones.Read more

Uttar Pradesh is empowering its urban local bodies (ULBs) to approve building maps within their jurisdictions, a step aimed at increasing revenue and curbing unplanned construction. Currently, only housing development authorities can approve maps in regulated areas, leaving peripheral municipal areas without oversight, which leads to traffic congestion, encroachments, and safety issues. Discussions are underway to establish a regulatory framework and necessary resources, manpower, and expertise. Implementing building bylaws across 762 ULBs is expected to take around two years, ensuring planned urban growth and infrastructure management.Read more

Heavy rains in Nepal have triggered deadly landslides and flash floods, killing at least 47 people since Friday and leaving several missing, officials said. The worst-hit area, Ilam district in eastern Nepal, reported 35 deaths, while nine people remain missing and three others were killed by lightning. Across the border in India's Darjeeling, seven people died in landslides. Roads and bridges have been washed away, stranding hundreds, while domestic flights remain disrupted though Kathmandu's international airport is operational. The Koshi River is flowing above danger levels, forcing authorities to open all 56 sluice gates of the Koshi Barrage. Officials warned that rains may continue until Monday as rescue efforts persist.Read more

The Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA) has intensified efforts to stop illegal land sales near the Noida International Airport, targeting fraudulent township projects that mislead investors. The scams involve offering plots on government or agricultural land, often with forged documents and fake site visits to convince buyers. YEIDA has been demolishing illegal constructions, filing FIRs, and planning a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to tackle the land mafia. The authority is also raising awareness among buyers and monitoring social media platforms to prevent further fraudulent activities.Read more

The PM Svamitva Yojana is helping families in rural Andhra Pradesh gain formal ownership of ancestral lands long held without documents. Using drones and rovers, survey teams are mapping properties in villages and Gram Kantham Abadi areas, creating accurate digital records. Families are receiving legal certificates that resolve boundary disputes and unlock access to credit and financial independence. In phase one, 5.18 lakh parcels were surveyed; the ongoing second phase targets 43.22 lakh properties across 5,850 villages by October 31, with a third phase to cover 45 lakh more. The scheme also boosts panchayat revenues by bringing untaxed properties into the tax net.Read more