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The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has issued intimation notices to 474 contractors and real estate firms for failing to comply with environmental management plans and 27-point dust mitigation guidelines. Amid a moderate Air Quality Index (AQI) of 144 recorded earlier this week, the BMC emphasised stricter directives for construction sites, including deadlines to install sprinklers and anti-smog guns. The transport department warned of action against uncovered debris transport. The Bombay High Court, expressing concern over the city's deteriorating air quality, urged authorities to detail measures being implemented under existing laws.Read more
The Tamil Nadu Maritime Board (TNMB) plans to establish a greenfield port and restore a defunct minor port, following limited interest in redeveloping the existing facility due to persistent silting issues. The greenfield port, located within 5 km of the minor port, will leverage its 14-metre depth close to shore to handle large vessels and is expected to manage 13 million tonnes of cargo. The minor port will focus on shallow draft vessels, with potential for shipbuilding and repair activities. Target industries include thermal power plants, manufacturing hubs, and co-generation facilities, boosting trade and logistics. These developments aim to enhance cargo volumes, attract private investment, and drive economic growth in Tamil Nadu.Read more
India's data centre market is poised for rapid growth, with capacity projected to rise from 1,255 MW to 2,070 MW by 2025, driven by digital transformation, AI data demands, and supportive policies like the Digital Personal Data Protection Act and the 2020 Draft Data Centre Policy. The sector's footprint is set to expand from 19 to 31 million sq. ft., supported by over USD 60 billion in investments since 2019, expected to surpass USD 100 billion by 2027. Major hubs include Mumbai, Chennai, Delhi-NCR, and Bengaluru, accounting for 90% of capacity, with emerging Tier-II cities gaining traction.Read more
The Hootagalli City Municipal Council (CMC) has expanded its jurisdiction with the addition of 45 layouts transferred from the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA), increasing its scope from 33 layouts to 78. This includes residential and industrial areas, enabling the council to enhance revenue collection and services for a growing population. Residents in these newly added layouts, previously unable to transfer khatas or secure property loans, can now access essential property documents. The CMC plans to collect property taxes and provide amenities such as drainage, water supply, and roadworks in phases. This transfer marks a significant step in resolving past challenges and fostering urban development in the region.Read more
The BMC's environment department has issued an SOP for sub-engineers to monitor air pollution control measures at construction sites. Contractors must submit Environmental Management Plans (EMP) detailing pollution sources and mitigation strategies. Ward-level sub-engineers from the mechanical and electrical engineering department will inspect sites, ensure compliance, impose penalties for violations, and collaborate with the SWM department to address dust and waste burning issues. Non-compliance may lead to show cause notices or stop-work orders. Monitoring squads, disrupted due to elections, will soon resume operations, ensuring stricter enforcement of air quality regulations at infrastructure project sites.Read more
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Meghalaya is ready to begin surveys for the Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana - Gramin (PMAY-G), aiming to expand housing coverage under the extended scheme. With 6,354 surveyors deployed across 6,426 villages, the state plans to update the Awaas+ 2018 database, including excluded households, using eKYC authentication. Having achieved 60.75% completion of 186,283 approved houses since 2016, ongoing projects will conclude by January 2025. The initiative aligns with Meghalaya's developmental goals, integrating housing with education, healthcare, clean water, and sanitation to combat rural poverty. Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma emphasized stakeholders' engagement and comprehensive implementation to achieve 'housing for all.'Read more
Residential demand is surging in cities with strong religious tourism like Prayagraj, Varanasi, Puri, and Shirdi, driven by investment opportunities, holiday homes, and potential short-term rentals. Year-on-year, Prayagraj saw a 28% increase in demand, Varanasi 18%, Puri 52%, and Shirdi 67%. Prices vary, with Varanasi averaging INR 6,128 psf, Prayagraj INR 6,645 psf, Puri INR 6,114 psf, and Shirdi INR 4,028 psf. Puri and Shirdi show continued appreciation, while Varanasi and Prayagraj stabilise. Religious tourism fuels this trend, offering buyers a mix of cultural value and investment potential, making these cities key players in India's real estate growth.Read more
Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, recently highlighted the importance of developing smart villages in line with the ongoing smart city initiatives. Speaking at the 42nd Convocation of the School of Planning and Architecture, he shared his vision of building a smart village, which includes affordable housing with essential services like free electricity and water. He also stressed the importance of knowledge, its conversion into wealth, and the role of educated manpower in realising India's goal of becoming a USD 5 trillion economy. Gadkari emphasised that ecology, economy, and environment must work in harmony for sustainable development.Read more
The Survey of India has completed a comprehensive drone survey covering approximately 550 square kilometers of Delhi, representing over one-third of the city. This initial phase included the Yamuna O Zone and 66 unauthorized colonies, with images shared with the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD). The survey aims to identify encroachments on DDA land, assess structures, and facilitate their removal. Following a tripartite agreement, the DDA plans to overlay cadastral maps on drone images to monitor land status and ensure compliance with regulations, ultimately enhancing land management and resource utilization across various departments.Read more
GMDA's plan to revamp the 11-km stretch connecting IFFCO Chowk to Dwarka Expressway remains stalled, despite its approval in October 2022, due to land encroachments and limited availability. Narrowed sections, particularly in Basai, and illegal property extensions have hampered progress. The project aims to ease traffic in old Gurgaon with features like a grade separator, improved footpaths, on-street parking, and a utility duct. However, demolition resistance and land shortages for a parallel rail overbridge have caused delays. Without a clear timeline, residents face ongoing congestion and rising project costs, underscoring the need for swift resolution.Read more
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