Ghaziabad's Master Plan 2031 is set to come into effect within the next two months, with approval anticipated by July. The new plan, which spans a 10-year period and incorporates areas like Loni, Dasna, Modinagar, and Muradnagar, aims to leverage Ghaziabad's strategic location and robust transportation networks for a forthcoming logistic hub in the National Capital Region (NCR). Utilizing Geographical Information System (GIS) technology for the first time, the plan ensures accuracy and precision. Noteworthy changes include increased residential land allocation and the establishment of special development areas (SDAs) near Guldhar and Duhai for new townships.Read more
The Chhattisgarh High Court has dismissed a petition challenging the Smart City projects in Bilaspur and Raipur, clearing the path for these urban development initiatives to proceed unhindered. The petition claimed these projects were infringing on the roles of the municipal corporations. However, the court ruled that no overstepping had occurred. The verdict ensures the continuation of key developmental activities aimed at enhancing residents' quality of life and bolstering urban infrastructure, setting a robust precedent for future Smart City projects across India.Read more
The state government of Maharashtra has directed the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) to allocate Rs 300 crore to the Dharavi Redevelopment Project Authority (DRPA) for the revitalization of slums in Dharavi. However, a pending payment of Rs 200 crore to the Indian Railways for the railway land integrated into the project poses a financial hurdle. Adani Realty, the proposed developer, awaits the official contract after a delay caused by concerns raised in the Hindenburg report on Adani's financial status.Read more
Officials of the Maharashtra State Farming Corporation (MSFC) have been directed by Revenue Minister Vikhe Patil to create plans for multiple parks in the Samruddhi Corridor project. The project, which is being developed in two phases, aims to facilitate multimodal logistics and business parks alongside the Samruddhi Mahamarg (Mumbai- Nagpur Expressway). The plan is expected to generate employment opportunities and provide services to industries, including food parks, cold storage, warehousing, and packaging. The connectivity between the Samruddhi Corridor and the Shirdi Airport will enhance the value of these parks, allowing for easier export of produce and growth of service industries.Read more
The Supreme Court of India has directed the Himachal Pradesh government to address objections to the Shimla draft development plan and publish a final plan within six weeks. The court emphasized that construction based on the draft plan is not allowed. The National Green Tribunal had previously declared the draft plan illegal and in conflict with its ruling. Construction of any kind without sanctioned plans were deemed unauthorized by the court, with applicants encouraged to seek remedy through the High Court. The state's view was deemed non-binding due to the overriding provisions of the NGT Act.Read more
The urban development minister of Uttarakhand, Prem Chand Agarwal, expressed his dissatisfaction with the progress of Dehradun's Smart City project during a review meeting held earlier this month. The project, which was expected to be completed by June 2023, has caused inconvenience to the public due to delays and uncoordinated efforts. The minister urged authorities to speed up the work and increase night shifts to complete the projects before the monsoon season, while ensuring good quality. However, several projects, such as the smart roads and green building development, are falling behind schedule.Read more
The Noida Authority is set to scrutinize financial models from Gujarat, Haryana, Delhi, and Rajasthan, aiming to inform its land acquisition strategy for the upcoming Dadri-Noida-Ghaziabad Investment Region (DNGIR). This study, led by the planning department's general manager, will culminate in a report for state government approval. The initiative is part of the Authority's commitment to explore innovative land acquisition strategies, supporting its vision of phased industrial development in the region and creating over 50,000 job opportunities.Read more
Indore, known for its business activities, is planning to construct two additional IT Parks to attract more IT/ITES companies to the area. One of these parks is proposed to be built in the Electronic Complex, while the other is set to be located near the Crystal IT Park. The new IT Parks are expected to offer amenities such as co-working spaces, conference rooms, gymnasiums, restaurants, and accommodation for visiting clients. The MPIDC is striving to create an environmentally friendly infrastructure, with solar panels and direct sunlight provisions included in the design. The new parks are expected to accommodate more than 50 technology firms and help stimulate economic growth in the region.Read more
The urban development authorities of Gujarat’s two major cities, Ahmedabad, and Gandhinagar are collaborating on a joint development plan (DP) to be completed by March 2024. The plan will integrate the roads and civic infrastructure connecting both cities and consider the non-agricultural land of the 69 villages within Ahmedabad Urban Development Authority's green zone. The joint DP is also expected to improve the overall development of the two cities, as there is no clear boundary between them. However, experts caution that the plan must prioritize policy and prospects rather than project-driven development to prevent conflicts of interest.Read more
The landmark Victoria Zenana Hospital in Hyderabad, the city's first all-women hospital, is slated for demolition this month to accommodate a new multi-level parking lot for the Telangana High Court. Despite government approval for the demolition, heritage conservationists insist the 120-year-old building could be repurposed. The decision to raze the site, which once housed pioneering women doctors and is a notable example of Indo-Saracenic architecture, has sparked intense debate about the need for urban development versus the preservation of historical heritage.Read more