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A study by Pani Haq Samiti (PHS) and the University of Mumbai has evaluated the effects of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation's (BMC) Water for All policy, launched in 2022, on slum dwellers. The findings indicate significant improvements in residents' access to water, health, and financial burdens. However, despite 14,000 approvals out of 16,000 applications, only 7,043 legal connections have been provided. Experts highlight systemic biases and persistent challenges, such as low pressure and contamination. BMC aims to expand water connections while reducing non-revenue water losses, which currently account for 30% of the supply in Indian cities.
The Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT), Mumbai, has ruled that the value of a new flat received in a redevelopment project cannot be taxed as 'Income from Other Sources' under Section 56(2)(x) of the Income Tax Act. The ruling, which provides relief to homeowners, clarifies that redevelopment is an 'extinguishment' of property rights rather than an income-generating transaction. The case involved a taxpayer whose new flat's value was deemed taxable, but ITAT ruled that it was a legitimate asset replacement, not a taxable income.
The Supreme Court has summoned the chief officer of MHADA to explain how the agency plans to clear rent arrears exceeding INR 12 crore for tenants affected by the stalled redevelopment of Parvati Building in South Mumbai. The redevelopment, initiated in 2013, faced prolonged delays after the previous developer defaulted on rent payments for temporary accommodation. Despite MHADA appointing a new developer, tenants remain without homes nor transit rents. The SC has ordered MHADA's chief officer to appear on April 7, 2025, and present a resolution plan.
The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) is set to introduce a financial compensation policy to accelerate the resettlement process for Project-Affected Persons (PAPs) involved in key urban infrastructure developments. This initiative, approved during the 159th MMRDA meeting chaired by Deputy Chief Minister Shri Eknath Shinde, aims to replace the traditional tenement-based resettlement model with direct financial aid. The policy aligns with Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) guidelines and applies to major projects, including the Metro, Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL), and the Sewri-Worli Elevated Corridor. Compensation will be determined based on Ready Reckoner Rates (ASR Rates), ensuring fair settlements and reducing project delays. By adopting this approach, MMRDA seeks to streamline resettlement, prevent legal complications, and facilitate the timely completion of infrastructure projects crucial for Mumbai's growth.Read more
The Bombay High Court has upheld the removal of Sushanku Builders from a slum rehabilitation project in Bandra, citing delays in the scheme's completion. The builder's plea to reverse the decision, made by the apex grievance redressal committee under the Slum Act was dismissed. The court noted that despite being exonerated for delays until August 2021, the builder's actions post that period were deemed unacceptable, thus justifying the termination of their appointment.
United Spirits has sold a residential property located in Mumbai's Malabar Hill area for INR 172 crore. The property includes furniture, fixtures, and fittings, spanning a ground floor and two upper floors. The buyers are Ajaykumar Dineshkumar Vaghani and Manisha Ajay Vaghani, who have no ties to the company's promoters or group. United Spirits, a subsidiary of Diageo, has been liquidating non-core assets previously owned by its former chairman Vijay Mallya, who stepped down in 2015. The company is based in Bengaluru, Karnataka.
The Bombay High Court has ruled in favour of 24-hour convenience stores, stating that there are no legal restrictions on their operating hours. The decision follows a plea by Accelerate Productx Ventures Pvt. Ltd., which operates 'The New Shop' in Pune's Hadapsar, challenging police actions forcing closure after 10-11 pm. The court noted that 24x7 stores enhance consumer convenience, boost spending, and generate employment. Police authorities admitted their enforcement was based on a misunderstanding. The court clarified that existing regulations apply only to establishments serving alcohol, theatres, and similar businesses, not general retail stores.
In response to the recent rise in Ready Reckoner rates, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has proposed a property tax increase of 10-12%. The proposal, submitted to Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani, requires state government approval. While property tax revisions are mandated every five years, the last adjustment occurred in 2015-16. Revenue shortfalls, worsened by exemptions for properties up to 500 sq ft and deferred tax hikes due to the pandemic, have prompted this move. Despite previous attempts to revise rates, strong opposition led to their withdrawal. If approved, the new rates will impact over 9 lakh properties in Mumbai.
Interior designer Gauri Khan has sold her nearly 2,000 sq ft apartment in Kohinoor Altissimo, Dadar West, Mumbai, for INR 11.61 crore. The transaction, registered on March 28, 2025, saw buyers Devendra Chaukar and Vandana Agarwal acquiring the 21st-floor unit with two car parkings. The deal reflects a 37% appreciation since Khan purchased the property for INR 8.5 crore in August 2022, highlighting Mumbai's luxury real estate growth. Meanwhile, Shah Rukh Khan has leased two duplex apartments in Pali Hill, Khar, for INR 8.67 crore over three years, temporarily relocating as Mannat undergoes renovation. Mumbai continues to dominate India's luxury real estate market, with INR 3,652 crore invested in high-end homes in 2024 and INR 850 crore in the first two months of 2025.
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The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has stationed a team of 10 personnel, including labourers and staff from the Licence Department, at Shahu Nagar Police Station to remove hawkers and improve traffic flow in Dharavi and Sion West. The decision follows a police request amid congestion caused by the closure of Sion bridge. Residents complain that the bridge closure has significantly increased travel time, with hawkers and haphazardly parked vehicles worsening congestion.
Residents of Andheri are preparing for increased traffic disruptions as the final phase of Gokhale Bridge construction progresses. The BMC is concreting the previously tarred approach road before the bridge fully opens in May 2025. From April 1 to May 15, traffic diversions have been implemented, restricting entry at key junctions, including Gold Spot Junction and Telly Gully Bridge. Motorists will need to use alternative routes, which locals fear may not efficiently handle peak-hour congestion.
Residents of Dharavi have been given until April 15 to submit their documents for verification to determine if they qualify for free housing within the redevelopment zone or rental housing outside it. Navbharat Mega Developers Pvt Ltd has tasked the Dharavi Redevelopment Project/Slum Rehabilitation Authority (DRP/SRA) with the survey. The move comes amid opposition from local political parties, with nearly 63,000 out of 95,000 structures already submitting documents. The redevelopment master plan is expected soon.
Mumbai's real estate market experienced a 10.3% year-on-year increase in property registrations in March, with a record INR 1,597 crore in stamp duty collections, marking a 45% YoY growth. High-value transactions drove the growth, with residential properties making up 80% of registrations. For FY 2024-25, registrations rose by 9%, and stamp duty collections increased by 22%. Premium properties, especially those priced above INR 2 crore, saw an uptick in demand, signalling shifting buyer preferences toward larger, higher-end homes. The Western and Central Suburbs remained the dominant real estate hubs, accounting for 78% of the total market share. However, the Central Suburbs experienced the most significant growth, increasing their share from 29% to 34%.
The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) secured two prestigious awards at the Build India Infra Awards 2025, in recognition of its groundbreaking infrastructure projects. The Surya Regional Water Supply Scheme received the Impact Award in the Water Sector for its role in addressing the water crisis in Mumbai's western suburbs, while Mumbai Metro Lines 2A and 7 were honoured with the Impact Award in the Urban Transport Sector for enhancing connectivity and easing congestion. Both projects have significantly improved the quality of life for millions, contributing to sustainable development and better urban mobility.Read more
The construction of the new High Court building at Bandra East progressed significantly with the relocation of slum dwellers from Gautam Nagar, facilitated by the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA). The 2.25-acre slum site is part of a larger 30-acre plot earmarked for the project. Under CEO Dr. Mahendra Kalyankar's leadership, SRA held multiple consultations, offering nearby Bandra East housing to 138 families. On March 26, 2025, 96 tenements were allotted via a transparent lottery, with provisions for shopkeepers and vulnerable residents. The relocation, set to conclude by April 10, was widely praised for its fairness, sensitivity, and efficiency, demonstrating strong coordination between PWD, SRA, and the community.Read more
The Maharashtra government is set to introduce a new policy aimed at encouraging the construction of iconic buildings in Mumbai. Deputy Chief Minister Shri Eknath Shinde announced the initiative in the legislative council, highlighting that historic structures from the British era have shaped Mumbai's identity. The proposed policy is expected to not only facilitate such constructions but also boost tourism. To address restrictions under existing development control rules, Shinde has directed the civic body to make necessary amendments under the Maharashtra Regional Town Planning Act, Section 37 (1).
The Bombay High Court has set aside the Thane district deputy registrar's decision rejecting deemed conveyance for four housing societies due to incomplete layout development. Justice Sandeep Marne ruled that pending development cannot be a reason to deny applications if an occupation certificate has been issued. The court highlighted procedural shortcomings, such as illegible sanctioned plans and discrepancies in area certificates, allowing petitioners and developers to submit fresh documents. The case has been remanded for reconsideration, ensuring fair evaluation under Maharashtra Ownership Flats Act provisions.
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