Mumbai Metro was recently accused by the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) of charging exorbitant and monopolistic rents for mobile network access. COAI asserted that under the new Telecommunication Act and Right of Way (RoW) rules, a public authority cannot deny RoW to telecom operators in public spaces. Despite telecom service providers proposing a common network to minimise disruptions, Mumbai Metro allegedly ignored the offer and insisted on using a third-party vendor for connectivity, creating a monopoly. The industry body further highlighted that TSPs had offered to provide connectivity free of cost until commercial terms were finalised, but Mumbai Metro allegedly disregarded the proposal.Read more

A Noida civil court has imposed a 100-meter protest-free zone around Jaypee Infratech's Sector 128 headquarters, following a plea by the company's new management, Suraksha Group. The interim order, issued ex parte, comes after homebuyers, awaiting possession since 2010-11, intensified demonstrations over stalled projects. The court limited the no-protest zone to 100 meters, rejecting Jaypee's request for a 500-meter buffer due to insufficient evidence. Homebuyers, represented by the JIL Real Estate Allottees Welfare Society (JREAWS), plan to challenge the order in the next hearing scheduled for July 15, asserting their right to peaceful protest and demanding timely project completion.Read more

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has expressed serious concern over 21 real estate developers in Greater Noida West who have failed to disclose the source of water used during construction. This follows a petition filed in 2022 alleging rampant illegal groundwater extraction by builders. Although the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB) issued notices in March 2025, only one developer has complied. The NGT has now directed all defaulters to submit source details within 10 days. The tribunal will review the case on July 29, 2025. The issue highlights the urgent need for stricter environmental oversight in urban construction practices.Read more

The Bombay High Court has upheld the decision to redevelop a housing society in Mumbai, dismissing an objection raised by a single member. The court ruled that decisions approved by the society's general body cannot be blocked by individual objections unless legal or procedural errors are proven. The case involved Sai Apartments Co-operative Housing Society, where a member sought to stop redevelopment citing CRZ concerns. However, the court noted that necessary approvals were secured and redevelopment decisions were democratically passed. This ruling reaffirms that cooperative housing societies can move forward with redevelopment plans approved by the majority of members.Read more

A citizens' campaign has been launched to restore Mumbai's iconic Powai Lake, which is struggling with excessive hyacinth growth and pollution. The movement, led by activists, resident groups, and local leaders, aims to pressure civic authorities to take immediate action. The campaign comes after repeated complaints about the deteriorating condition of the lake, once a popular recreational and ecological landmark. With stagnant waters, reduced oxygen levels, and unchecked vegetation growth, Powai Lake is at risk of turning into an ecological dead zone. The initiative calls for immediate desilting, removal of hyacinths, and long-term preservation under BMC's environment department.Read more

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has demolished 28 illegal structures on 17 plots in Malad as part of a crackdown on unauthorised constructions built using forged City Title Survey (CTS) maps. The demolitions follow findings from a Special Investigation Team (SIT), which uncovered widespread forgery across Mumbai's western suburbs. Out of 200 CTS maps reviewed in Malad, 101 were found to be fake. The BMC plans to complete demolition of all 123 identified illegal buildings in the area by May 31. The probe dates back to 2020 and involves developers illegally claiming land using fabricated documents.Read more

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has classified 322 buildings in the city as 'extremely dangerous,' requiring immediate evacuation and demolition. Despite official notices, 74 of these buildings are still occupied, raising serious safety concerns. Most of these structures are located in Bandra, Malad, and Ghatkopar. The BMC has warned residents that it will not be held responsible for any loss of life or property if they ignore the evacuation orders. Civic officials are urging urgent cooperation, especially with the monsoon approaching, as old and unsafe buildings are at greater risk of collapse during heavy rains.Read more

In a decisive move to enforce compliance, the Gautam Budh Nagar district administration has sealed the offices of 12 real estate developers in Dadri tehsil, Noida, for failing to clear dues exceeding INR 175 crore owed to the Uttar Pradesh Real Estate Regulatory Authority (UP-RERA). Despite multiple recovery notices, these builders did not respond, prompting the administration to take action under land revenue laws. Major defaulters include Uttam Steels, Rudra Buildwell Homes, and Ansal Hitech Township. Officials have warned of further actions if dues remain unpaid, highlighting ongoing challenges in recovering funds from non-compliant developers.Read more

The Department of Town and Country Planning (DTCP) in Gurugram launched a significant demolition campaign earlier this week, focusing on unpermitted buildings that covered 18 acres in the Sohna area. The enforcement action covered three villages Karanki, Sancholi, and Daulha where 25 illegal structures, including under-construction buildings, boundary walls, and road networks, were razed. These actions followed the failure of developers and landowners to comply with prior notices under the Punjab Scheduled Roads and Controlled Areas Restriction of Unregulated Development Act, 1963. The DTCP has since issued stern warnings to curb illegal plotting and urged buyers to verify land approvals.Read more

The Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) is intensifying its land pooling initiatives to bolster revenue and streamline urban planning. Currently, three projects encompassing approximately 300 acres are underway in Pratap Singaram, Lemur, and Inmulnarva. Additionally, four more schemes covering 540 acres are slated for launch in Qutubullapur, Thimmaiguda, Korremula, and Kurmalguda. These projects aim to provide farmers with 60% of the developed plots, while HMDA retains 40%, ensuring mutual benefits. The land pooling model has led to significant appreciation in land values, with prices in Inmulnarva soaring from INR 8,000 to INR 20,000 per square yard post-development. This approach not only offers farmers higher returns but also facilitates efficient infrastructure development without the need for government land acquisition.Read more