IIT Bombay is set to invest around INR 2,000 crore over five years to modernise its infrastructure and teaching methods. Following a review highlighting areas for improvement, the institute plans to enhance classroom technologies with a INR 50 crore investment and expand its built-up area by 75%, adding 20 new buildings. Hostel accommodations will increase from 12,000 to 16,000, and vertical growth is planned to maintain green spaces. Funding will come from loans, grants, and other sources. These initiatives aim to improve the educational experience, maintain IIT Bombay's standing as a top institution, and support long-term strategic growth.Read more

After the successful launch of three housing schemes in Jasola, the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) has unveiled a detailed plan for improving civic services across Pockets 9A, 9B, and 6. The year-long project involves maintaining 320 HIG flats, desilting sewer lines, and addressing sanitation concerns. Additionally, DDA will repair and upgrade roads, drains, and footpaths in the area, addressing long-standing complaints about waterlogging and inadequate maintenance. With a budget of INR 3.3 crore, the plan also includes pedestrian walkway construction and repairs on Church Road, heavily impacted by traffic to the local sewage treatment plant.Read more

Despite directives from the Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB), many large-scale construction and demolition (C&D) projects have not registered on the government web portal, launched for real-time pollution monitoring. Currently, 1,109 projects, primarily in Gurgaon, Bahadurgarh, and Faridabad, are registered, with 854 operational. Officials have urged civic bodies to provide building plan data to identify non-registered sites and emphasised the importance of monitoring dust mitigation measures. Compliance with air quality directives, including the installation of PM2.5 and PM10 sensors, is critical for effective environmental management.Read more

A drone survey was launched earlier this month to create a digital master plan for Vikarabad, one of 20 municipalities in Telangana selected for a GIS-based plan under the AMRUT 2.0 initiative, funded partly by the central government. The survey, conducted in collaboration with district and municipal officials, will guide long-term development, including roads, housing, drainage, and other infrastructure. Vikarabad is the first municipality to begin this survey, which will also be implemented in 19 other towns. The master plan aims to address the municipality's needs for the next 30 to 40 years, promoting sustainable urban development across Telangana.Read more

The plan to transform Mumbai's western sea fronts at Aksa, Madh, and Marve into an entertainment hub faces major challenges despite Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's approval. Issues include land in Madh being designated for the Dharavi Redevelopment Project, opposition from real estate developers, slum rehabilitation concerns, and environmental objections over mangrove destruction. The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) envisions a commercial district, amusement park, and housing, but local developers oppose it, fearing impacts on premium sea-view properties. Environmentalists warn that losing mangroves could increase flood risks. With regulatory approvals still pending, the project's future depends on balancing development with environmental and community concerns.Read more

In response to complaints about dust and PM10 pollution from construction sites, the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has started monitoring air quality using real-time data from sensors at 22 sites. Builders are required to install sensors at sites of 10,000 square metres or larger. The AMC's 2021-22 study of 452 construction sites revealed that construction activities, industrial operations, and increased vehicle numbers significantly contribute to air pollution. In addition to monitoring, new regulations, including measures like dust control and proper waste management, aim to mitigate air quality issues and ensure compliance, with penalties for repeated violations.Read more

An RTI query has revealed that 63 buildings near Nagpur Airport continue to obstruct flight paths, down from a previous count of 68, after five structures were recently removed. Activist Abhay Kolarkar's request, filed with the Airports Authority of India (AAI), revealed that these obstacles also interfere with communication signals. Buildings in the airport's vicinity must comply with height restrictions based on a color-coded zoning system, with specific limits in the red zone. Some buildings can achieve compliance by removing minor rooftop structures, while others may require partial demolition. The list of obstructions has been forwarded to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) for further action.Read more

Industries Minister TR B Rajaa announced that the Tidel Neo Park, a mini IT park in Tuticorin, will soon be inaugurated by Chief Minister M K Stalin. Established at a cost of INR 30 crore and spanning 4.16 acres, the facility will provide 50,937 square feet of state-of-the-art workspace. With modern amenities like air conditioning and an integrated building management system, 11 companies have already shown interest in leasing space. The park aims to create job opportunities for young professionals in South Tamil Nadu, helping them work closer to their familiesRead more

Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City), India's first smart city and International Financial Services Centre (IFSC), recently hosted the "GIFT City: The Emerging Talent Frontier" summit at IIT Gandhinagar. The event focused on addressing talent needs and fostering workforce development for businesses in GIFT City and Gujarat. Industry leaders, government officials, and academicians, including executives from BNY, Capgemini, IBM, and LinkedIn, discussed strategies for cultivating a future-ready talent pool. Key panels explored aligning workforce strategies with evolving technology, enhancing diversity, and building long-term industry-academia partnerships. The summit highlighted GIFT City's role in creating an ecosystem to support Gujarat's emergence as a digital innovation leader.Read more

The Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) has introduced a "Dust Pollution Control Self-Assessment" portal, mandating all construction and demolition projects over 500 square meters to register and conduct regular dust control audits. This initiative is part of a broader effort to reduce air pollution in the National Capital Region. The portal requires real-time monitoring with PM2.5 and PM10 sensors, and large projects must deploy anti-smog guns. Non-compliance could result in penalties or construction halts, following Supreme Court and National Green Tribunal orders aimed at improving Delhi's air quality.Read more