The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) demolished five unapproved multi-story structures that were built inside the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) in Versova earlier this week. These structures, erected over the past year without municipal approval, posed significant environmental and safety risks. The BMC utilized heavy machinery and deployed a substantial workforce to dismantle the buildings. Furthermore, the civic body identified an additional 35 illegal constructions in the area, planning further action in the coming days.Read more

The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) has encouraged property owners to complete the Know Your Customer (KYC) process to facilitate easier access to digital municipal services. This initiative is designed to enable residents to conveniently view and pay property tax bills via mobile phones while also receiving essential updates, including water supply alerts, emergency notifications, heavy rainfall warnings, and traffic advisories. Property owners can complete the KYC process by visiting the NMMC's official website and accessing the QR code or link provided. This effort is part of NMMC's broader digital transformation strategy aimed at enhancing service delivery and citizen engagement.Read more

The West Bengal government has initiated plans to auction 17 acres of land in New Town for commercial use, reinforcing the area's status as a prime investment destination. Simultaneously, it is evaluating 34 residential-zoned plots in Rajarhat for potential apartment development or direct sale. These plots, well-connected and close to vital urban infrastructure, offer strong market appeal. A detailed market study will guide decisions on land use, factoring in demand, pricing, and feasibility. With high interest from middle-income buyers and proximity to major IT hubs, the government aims to leverage both development and sale strategies to boost revenue effectively.Read more

The Bombay High Court has ordered a land survey in Powai to investigate allegations of unauthorised encroachments on property owned by IIT Bombay. The directive was issued in response to a PIL that accused contractors of illegally seizing land and constructing slum tenements, allegedly using criminal intimidation to force residents out. The court has instructed the Mumbai Suburban District Collector to conduct the survey and submit a detailed report, ensuring that both the institute and the accused have an opportunity to present their claims. The court also mandated police protection during the removal of encroachments.Read more

The Noida Authority has intensified its efforts to recover INR 277 crore in outstanding dues from Sikka Infrastructure, pertaining to a group housing project in Sector 143B. Despite multiple notices and enforcement actions, including the sealing of 31 flats and the threat of legal proceedings, the developer has failed to comply. Consequently, the Authority has initiated proceedings under land revenue laws and filed a formal complaint with the Economic Offences Wing. The developer has also been disqualified from availing benefits under a state policy aimed at reviving stalled real estate projects.Read more

The Supreme Court of India has ordered the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) to tear down illegal buildings in Okhla Village. The court ordered the removal of illegal constructions on 2 bighas and 10 biswas of land, which do not fall under the PM-UDAY scheme. A 15-day notice period was mandated before any demolition. In contrast, the remaining 1 bigha and 8 biswas of land, covered under the PM-UDAY scheme, will not be subject to demolition. This order is a continuation of the Supreme Court's 2018 intervention on public land encroachments.Read more

The Delhi High Court has issued an interim injunction against WTC Noida Development and its promoters, including Ashish Bhalla of the Bhalla Group, prohibiting the use of the World Trade Center (WTC) trademarks. This decision follows allegations by the World Trade Centers Association (WTCA) that WTC Noida continued to use the WTC branding post-termination of their licensing agreement. The court emphasized potential harm to WTCA's reputation and the public's possible confusion. The injunction remains effective until mid-September, pending further proceedings.Read more

The Karnataka government has introduced the Greater Bengaluru Governance Act (GBGA), 2024, to restructure Bengaluru's civic administration. Replacing the BBMP Act of 2021, the GBGA enables the creation of multiple municipal corporations and establishes the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA), chaired by Chief Minister Shri Siddaramaiah. Covering the current 709 sq km BBMP area, the GBA will oversee urban planning, infrastructure, and mobility projects. While the existing BBMP will be dissolved, a restructured civic body will continue operations during the transition. The Act also aims to strengthen ward committees to improve accountability and efficiency, with reorganization to begin after formal notification.Read more

The state government has been urged by the Odisha Real Estate Regulatory Authority (ORERA) in Bhubaneswar to order planning authorities to enforce the requirement that two-thirds of allottees must give their consent before any changes are made to housing projects. This appeal follows revelations that several developers have been bypassing this provision, securing approvals for revised building plans without informing or obtaining consent from homebuyers. ORERA highlighted instances where planning authorities approved project roads on government or third-party land, posing future access issues for residents. The authority emphasized that the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016, supersedes the Odisha Development Authority Act, necessitating strict adherence to its provisions.Read more

The Bombay High Court has permitted the BMC to construct a 50-metre-wide road through mangrove buffer zones in Malad West, citing compliance with environmental regulations and public necessity. The project, affecting 3.5 hectares and 37 mangrove trees, had received clearances from both the MCZMA and the Ministry of Environment. The court referred to a 2018 Supreme Court ruling that allowed such projects if proposed before the order and with due approvals. With legal and environmental approvals in place, the BMC is now set to proceed with the long-pending infrastructure work aimed at improving connectivity while implementing mitigation measures to limit ecological damage.Read more