The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) recently undertook a demolition drive in the Koparkhairane area after repeated notices to the concerned party were disregarded. The action was carried out under the guidance of senior officials, including the municipal commissioner, following non-compliance with a prior notice issued under the Maharashtra Regional and Town Planning Act, 1966. The unauthorised structure was razed for the third time, with a fully-equipped civic team and police presence ensuring smooth execution.Read more

The Bombay High Court has issued an interim order temporarily stopping a Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) scheme on over 3.5 acres of land designated for Mumbai University. The university claims the land, acquired for academic purposes between 1967 and 1974, was improperly recorded, leading to encroachment and its notification as a slum without the university's knowledge. Justices GS Kulkarni and Arif Doctor expressed concern over public land being used for slum redevelopment due to the government's failure to prevent encroachment. The court adjourned the matter to August 11, seeking replies from all parties involved, to clarify whether SRA can approve such a scheme on land meant for a public institution.Read more

Five prominent gardens in Mumbai, including Shivaji Park and Kamala Nehru Park, have reportedly failed a recent disability access audit conducted by a non-profit organisation. The audit, which assessed features like ramps, accessible toilets, and tactile paths, found significant shortcomings, highlighting the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation's (BMC) failure to make public spaces inclusive for persons with disabilities. Despite past directives and ongoing efforts for accessibility, many gardens remain challenging for wheelchair users. The BMC has acknowledged the findings and committed to implementing necessary upgrades, aiming to ensure all public gardens meet universal accessibility standards.Read more

The Bombay High Court recently dismissed a review petition filed by the Motilal Nagar Vikas Samiti, thereby clearing the way for the substantial redevelopment of 141 acres of MHADA land in Goregaon West, Mumbai. Adani Realty has been appointed as the Consultant and Development Agency for this project, estimated to cost INR 21,000 crore. The court reaffirmed MHADA's right as the landowner to appoint private developers through competitive bidding. This decision, which follows earlier legal actions over illegal constructions, allows the large-scale housing redevelopment to proceed, with the developer covering costs for transit, rehabilitation, and related amenities for eligible residents.Read more

The Bombay High Court has ordered a probe into 935 redevelopment notices issued by MHADA's Mumbai Building Repairs and Reconstruction Board (MBRRB), questioning their legitimacy. The court found that these notices-labeling cessed buildings as dangerous-were based only on visual inspections, without structural assessments. A two-member committee led by retired judges will investigate whether officials acted arbitrarily or with improper motives. The court criticized MHADA's reliance on a December 2024 SOP that allegedly exceeded legal authority. This ruling reinforces property rights and curbs misuse of Section 79A of MHADA guidelines. The case will be reviewed on August 12, with a report due in six months.Read more

The Bombay High Court has directed the Maharashtra government and the Lonavala Municipal Council to take immediate steps to improve civic infrastructure at the popular hill station. This order comes in response to a petition highlighting issues like illegal constructions, traffic congestion, and waste management failures. The court emphasized the need for better roads, drains, footpaths, and streetlights, alongside measures to protect Lonavala's natural environment. This directive aims to address the challenges posed by the unchecked growth of the tourist destination and ensure sustainable development for both residents and visitors.Read more

The Bombay High Court has instructed MahaRERA to bring back hybrid hearings within four weeks, allowing parties to choose between physical and virtual appearances. This order came in response to a public petition that raised issues of stalled execution proceedings, missing timelines, and lack of urgent case listings. The court noted that denying physical hearings despite available infrastructure was unjustified and a violation of fair access to justice. It also directed MahaRERA to update its circular and procedures to include timestamped orders, clear scheduling, and greater transparency through published contact and hearing details. A compliance report is expected in the coming weeks.Read more

Mumbai's Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) has recovered INR 1,386 crore in unpaid rent from builders over the past three years, marking a major push for financial compliance in slum redevelopment. The amount includes INR 601 crore from regular collections, INR 134 crore via an amnesty scheme, and INR 650 crore from a rule mandating two years' advance rent. A recent amendment to the Maharashtra Slum Areas Act empowers SRA to seize assets-even those of company directors-to recover dues. CEO Mahindra Kalyankar stated these steps will ensure timely rent for slum dwellers awaiting rehousing and help accelerate project completion across the city's dense informal settlements.Read more

The Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRC) has invited bids from public transport operators to run feeder bus services for Mumbai Metro Line 3. This initiative aims to improve last-mile connectivity for commuters, linking 27 underground stations to nearby residential and commercial areas. The service will begin in phases, with trial operations for Line 3 starting in October. The plan involves 92 proposed routes managed through a Public-Private Partnership model, utilizing GPS-tracked electric buses, aligning with MMRC's goal to offer eco-friendly transport and reduce road congestion in Mumbai.Read more

The Madh-Versova bridge project in Mumbai has secured environmental clearance from the Union Environment Ministry, marking a key milestone for the INR 2,395 crore initiative. However, the project still requires Bombay High Court approval, as it will impact 2.3 hectares of protected mangroves. The 2.06-km cable-stayed bridge aims to connect Madh Island to Versova, easing travel by bypassing long detours. Environmental groups have raised concerns over the loss of stormwater buffers and the project's location in a former no-development zone. The BMC's Bridges Department is overseeing implementation, as the city continues to weigh infrastructure needs against ecological preservation in sensitive coastal areas.Read more

DLF Ltd has sold all 416 units in Phase 1 of its luxury project, The Westpark, in Andheri West, Mumbai, generating INR 2,300 crore in just days. Developed under the SRA scheme with Trident Realty, the project marks DLF's re-entry into Mumbai after a decade-long hiatus. DLF holds a 51% stake in the special purpose vehicle, with a combined investment of INR 900 crore. This successful launch, alongside strong performance in Gurugram, has helped DLF surpass 50% of its FY2024-25 sales target. The firm recorded all-time high sales of INR 21,223 crore last fiscal and aims for INR 20,000-22,000 crore this year.Read more

The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) undertook a demolition drive in Ghansoli after unauthorised RCC construction continued despite prior notice. The action was initiated under the guidance of the Municipal Commissioner and senior civic officials, targeting illegal work on a ground-floor column and a progressing first-floor slab by a local developer. The civic team, supported by police personnel, deployed labourers and breakers to remove the structure. The NMMC confirmed that similar encroachments would face intensified enforcement going forward.Read more

The Supreme Court has upheld an earlier order by the Bombay High Court allowing Adani Cementation Ltd to cut 158 mangrove trees in Maharashtra's Raigad district to develop a captive jetty along the Amba River. The project involves a 620-metre-long jetty with mechanised conveyor systems aimed at transporting cement, clinker, and raw materials through waterways instead of roads. This move is intended to reduce heavy vehicular traffic and carbon emissions. Despite opposition from an environmental NGO, the court has mandated compensatory afforestation and strict adherence to environmental safeguards as a condition for proceeding with the construction.Read more

Renowned filmmaker Subhash Ghai, in partnership with Crest Ventures and Mukta Arts, has leased out a commercial office space in Andheri West for a monthly rent of INR 3.38 lakh. The 7,500 sq ft office, part of the Crest Mukta development, has been let to Riya Healthcare for five years. The lease includes a 5% annual rent escalation and a total expected rental income of around INR 2.24 crore over the term. The agreement was formally registered earlier this week with a security deposit of INR 24.66 lakh.Read more

The Supreme Court has issued an interim order modifying a Bombay High Court directive that required the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) to deposit the full INR 1,169 crore arbitral award in favor of Mumbai Metro One Private Limited (MMOPL), a joint venture involving Anil Ambani's Reliance Infrastructure. The apex court now mandates MMRDA to deposit 50 percent of the awarded amount, approximately INR 584.5 crore, for the stay on the High Court's full deposit order to remain active.Read more