To boost Andhra Pradesh's real estate sector amid declining registration revenues, the government has empowered newly formed Urban Development Authorities (UDAs) to independently approve building plans without routing them through the Director of Town and Country Planning. This move follows previous concessions like relaxed layout and building rules and time-bound approvals at municipal levels, which failed to significantly revive the sector. Now, vice-chairpersons of ten UDAs-including Eluru, Kadapa, Ongole, Chittoor, and Kuppam-can directly grant approvals for all development permissions under the APMRUDA Act. This decentralization aims to expedite construction activity and stimulate economic growth in small towns across the state.Read more

In a significant move to uplift the underprivileged, Maradu Municipality in Kochi provided land deeds to five extremely poor families. Each family received three cents of land, valued at approximately INR 2.7 lakh, funded entirely by the municipality's own resources. These beneficiaries will also be integrated into the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), ensuring assistance for constructing their homes. Additionally, residential flats built for eight Scheduled Caste families are set to be handed over in the coming week, reflecting the municipality's ongoing commitment to social welfare.Read more

In Hyderabad, a builder of the Aparna Serenity project in Petbasheerabad approached the Telangana Real Estate Regulatory Authority (TGRERA) earlier this week, raising concerns about unauthorized structural modifications made by two residents. The builder cited potential risks to the building's structural integrity and invoked Section 36 of the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act to seek interim relief. TGRERA, upon reviewing the case, ordered a status quo, restraining the residents from making further alterations until a final decision is reached.Read more

The Secunderabad Cantonment Board has released draft building bye-laws to align with Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) standards. The revised rules introduce a four-zone system based on road width and land use, aiming to guide planned development. Stricter penalties are proposed to tackle unauthorised construction, along with clear guidelines for residential, commercial, educational, and public buildings. The draft also focuses on safety and sustainability, mandating features like fire safety, parking, rainwater harvesting, and rooftop solar panels. Framed under the Cantonments Act, 2006, and National Building Code, 2016, the draft is now open for public feedback before finalisation.Read more

The Zirakpur Municipal Council has taken firm action against unauthorised construction in Mohali's New Defence Colony and Old Kalka Road. A builder's project was sealed for violating approved plans, posing safety risks. Residents welcomed the move, citing long-standing concerns. In a separate operation, illegal houses and structures on government land near Goldmark Vira City were demolished. The council emphasised strict penalties for breaches and urged public cooperation in reporting violations. These enforcement measures reflect a renewed commitment to urban planning compliance. Officials warned builders against encroachments, stressing that legal action would follow any future violations to uphold safety and development norms.Read more

The Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) has mandated that all under-construction buildings display boards with sanctioned plan numbers, architect/LBS names, and building heights. This move aims to protect prospective flat-buyers from promoter violations. Borough engineers are instructed to identify non-compliant sites and issue stop-work notices. Surveys will ensure board visibility, following directives from the mayor's office. Officials say such boards will boost buyer confidence. KMC engineers are also urged to coordinate with local police to ensure safe enforcement. Senior officials will monitor compliance through reports from borough engineers to ensure prompt action against unauthorized or hidden constructions across the city.Read more

In a landmark initiative, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has begun groundwork to transform a 12-acre prime stretch of land in Worli, previously dotted with slum settlements, into a high-end waterfront enclave. The plan, a first of its kind, involves a collaborative effort with the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) to amalgamate government and private plots and construct a cluster of luxury skyscrapers. This redevelopment, spanning the scenic coastline off the arterial Coastal Road, has sparked controversy among slum dwellers and activists concerned about displacement. Despite this, the BMC envisions a sustainable and economically viable urban model.Read more

Families affected by the construction of the Sewri-Worli elevated connector, specifically those residing in Laxmi Niwas and Haji Noorani buildings at NM Joshi Marg, are set to receive financial compensation rather than resettlement tenements. The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has identified 83 families 60 from Laxmi Niwas and 23 from Haji Noorani for displacement due to the infrastructure project. In a recent meeting, the authority proposed monetary compensation ranging from INR 25 lakh to INR 1 crore, depending on the unit's size and location, due to a shortage of available tenements. This approach marks a shift from the conventional resettlement model.Read more

The Lucknow Development Authority (LDA) has intensified its campaign against unauthorized real estate developments by demolishing Palm Residency, an illegal 38-acre colony located in Bakkas Village, part of Sushant Golf City. Despite having no layout approval, the site had partially developed infrastructure, including roads, drainage lines, and a site office. Acting under court directions, the LDA carried out a large-scale demolition, warning developers and buyers against initiating or investing in unapproved layouts. The move signals a tougher stance by the authorities on illegal plotting in the Lucknow real estate market.Read more

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) recently directed the Haryana government to halt all illegal mining activities in a 119.55-acre protected forest area in Gurugram's Rajawas village until further notice. This directive follows a report highlighting the auctioning of protected Aravali land for mining purposes. The NGT has mandated state authorities and involved parties, including M/s Landsworthy Mining & Infra LLP, to submit their responses within four weeks. Residents have raised concerns over the environmental implications and are advocating for the area's designation as a wildlife reserve.Read more