The Kolkata Metro Rail Corporation (KMRC) has pledged to construct new homes for the residents displaced by the land subsidence incident in Bowbazar, Kolkata. The incident, which occurred during tunnelling work for the East West Metro, resulted in the collapse of multiple houses and left many residents homeless. KMRC's General Manager of Administration, A.K. Nandy, assured that construction of new structures would begin by April 2024 and estimated completion by December 2025. However, some residents remain skeptical, and the incident highlights the challenges and impact of urban infrastructure projects on local communities.Read more

The NCLT's Kolkata bench has made a significant decision in real estate, granting authority to flat buyers to revive an abandoned project by three developers near Baruipur. These buyers, left with financial losses from unfulfilled promises, filed a petition with the NCLT. The case involved substantial amounts, exacerbated by Supreme Court's 8% interest rate directive. After a meticulous process involving expression of interest, three resolution plans, and evaluations, the proposal from Baruipur Bloomfield Project was approved. This plan involves gathering outstanding payments from plot buyers, leveraging surplus land assets, and prudent fund utilization for project completion.Read more

The Kolkata Municipal Corporation's health department is struggling to clear garbage from 5,000 vacant plots in the city, mainly due to untraceable owners or their refusal to clean. To address this, they propose a special clean-up drive, adding the expenses to property owners' tax bills. If owners don't comply, the solid waste management department will conduct the drive and charge owners; particularly dengue-prone areas are targeted.Read more

Hyatt Centric is gearing up to open its second property in Kolkata, India, this time in Gariahat. As the city's first Hyatt Centric boutique hotel, this addition is set to bring modern, stylish, and luxurious accommodation to Kolkata's hospitality scene. Expected to open during the winter wedding season, the hotel will offer various amenities including dining options, event spaces, and panoramic rooftop views. Amidst the challenges posed by the pandemic, this move highlights the resilience of the hospitality industry and Kolkata's growing reputation as a destination for upscale travelers seeking a unique and immersive experience.Read more

The Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) launched a new thika land policy, simplifying ownership transfers and building construction for tenants. Mayor Firhad Hakim announced that legal heirship titles and lessee status would be provided within 15 days of application. The policy also removes previous restrictions on building height on thika land. A specialized thika cell at KMC headquarters will handle applications, offering a single-window counter to expedite the process. The initiative is set to streamline procedures for thousands of tenants and marks a significant step towards efficient public service in the city.Read more

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted searches at the offices of three prominent realtors in Kolkata to trace ill-gotten money allegedly involved in a cash-for-jobs scam led by Sujay Krishna Bhadra, known as 'Kalighater Kaku.' The ED is investigating the fraudulent accumulation of funds through dishonest means and their concealment through various organizations and shell companies. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has also taken action, demanding the submission of Optical Mark Recognition (OMR) sheets dating back to 2014 from 14 civic bodies to investigate potential irregularities in the hiring process.Read more

Merlin Group, a leading real estate conglomerate in Eastern India, has launched Serenia, the tallest residential condominium on B.T. Road in Kolkata. The project, a joint venture between Eden Realty and Merlin Group, spans 4.5 acres and features four towers with 28 floors each, offering panoramic views of greenery and an 18-acre lake. With 832 spacious apartments and a range of lifestyle amenities, Serenia aims to redefine quality living in North Kolkata. The strategic location and modern design make it an ideal choice for professionals and families seeking a liberating and luxurious living experience. Construction is set to be completed by December 2028.Read more

The West Bengal department of land and land reforms has authorized apartment owners along Kolkata's EM Bypass to convert their land from leasehold to freehold. Owners must submit a registered indenture and pay a fee equating to 15% of the flat's current market value. The landmark decision, praised by several industry leaders, promises to foster further development and benefits over 10,000 flats, encouraging ownership rights and facilitating property reselling. The impact of this new policy on the real estate market remains to be seen.Read more

The Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) buildings department has compiled a comprehensive list of vulnerable buildings in Kolkata that are at risk of collapsing. Several areas, including Burrabazar, Chitpore, and MG Road, have particularly deteriorating structures. However, due to limited resources and time constraints, the civic body faces challenges in demolishing all hazardous buildings. Evacuation difficulties have been encountered, but the KMC remains determined to tear down high-risk sections with police assistance, aiming to mitigate potential dangers during the monsoon season.Read more

The Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) has increased fines for unauthorized constructions in order to discourage violations of building rules. Builders and owners found guilty of such violations will face higher fines, and the recent demolition of unauthorized buildings has served as a deterrent. While severe violations will not be eligible for regularization, minor modifications may be allowed upon payment of a nominal amount. The KMC aims to promote compliance with building regulations, maintain safety, and preserve the city's architectural integrity.Read more

The Kolkata civic body has decided to deny mutation certificates to homebuyers in developments without a completion certificate (CC). This move is aimed at stopping unscrupulous realtors from leaving homebuyers stranded in developments that are not yet complete. A CC is the necessary requirement to apply for water and drainage connections, which are essential for the basic functioning of a home. Without a CC, homebuyers may be unable to get these connections, which could leave them without access to essential utilities.Read more

In an electronic auction, Godrej Properties won the right to purchase 7.44 acres of property in Kolkata's New Alipore from the West Bengal Housing Infrastructure Development Corporation. Godrej Properties intends to build a luxurious group home project with an estimated developable potential of over 9.8 lakh square feet and a revenue potential of roughly Rs 1,200 crore on the site thanks to the land acquisition. The demand for luxury residences in Kolkata's real estate market has increased, and Godrej residences' acquisition positions the business to meet the city's expanding need for upmarket residential options.Read more

The Calcutta High Court has ruled that buying property in a wife's name by the husband does not always indicate a benami transaction, stating that the source of funds is important but not decisive. The court clarified the two types of benami transactions and emphasized that the burden of proving a transfer as benami lies with the accuser. In a specific case, the court dismissed a son's claim that his father had engaged in a benami transaction by giving a property to his mother. The ruling provides clarity on the matter and highlights the need to consider various factors when determining the nature of a property transfer.Read more

PNT Reporter

As monsoon season approaches, the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) is taking comprehensive measures to ensure residents' safety. With around 2,300 insecure structures, KMC is prioritizing repairs and demolition of high-risk buildings, while revising building codes to improve safety standards. Borough-specific teams are being established to monitor dilapidated buildings and relocate tenants as needed. Additionally, KMC is collaborating with local disaster management authorities to develop a comprehensive disaster response plan, aiming to minimize potential damages and loss of life during upcoming storms and future natural disasters.Read more

PNT Reporter

The Kolkata Municipal Corporation is proposing to impose a penalty of up to 30% on property owners who refuse to switch to the Unit Area Assessment (UAA) system, which has been mandatory since April 2017. The KMC is sending notices to property owners to encourage them to switch to the UAA system and streamline the process. The UAA system calculates property tax based on the unit area value of a property and is intended to be more accurate and transparent than the previous system.Read more

PNT Reporter

A pioneering construction and demolition waste recovery plant has begun operations in Rajarhat, Kolkata. The facility, a significant stride towards sustainable waste management, will transform non-biodegradable construction waste into reusable "aggregates" for road paving. Instead of landfill disposal, waste from smaller housing projects will be transported to the Rajarhat plant. The initiative, which could serve as a model for other cities facing waste management challenges, underscores the shift towards a circular economy, where waste is seen as a valuable resource to be reused and recycled.Read more

PNT Reporter

The Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) has announced that it will revoke the trade licence of real estate promoters who dupe flat owners. Previously, the KMC only penalized architects or licensed building surveyors if they failed to provide facilities to flat owners. The KMC will keep a watchful eye on real estate promoters who have fled after constructing an apartment building without applying for a completion certificate. The decision is a step in the right direction to ensure that flat owners receive the necessary amenities and services promised to them and to hold real estate promoters accountable for their actions.Read more

PNT Reporter

In response to a fake call centre racket in New Town, Kolkata, Bidhannagar Police have requested updated tenant lists from local Residential Welfare Associations (RWAs). Authorities plan to conduct surprise visits to verify tenant information, ensuring occupant safety and addressing system vulnerabilities. The recent bust, which exposed fraudulent operators running schemes from residential properties and recovered nearly Rs 4 crore in illegal funds, has prompted the need for an updated tenant database. Local residents have welcomed the initiative for improved community security.Read more