The Rajasthan High Court has directed a committee, led by the Urban Development and Housing Department Secretary, to hear appeals from owners of 19 sealed buildings in Jaipur's Walled City. These buildings were previously sealed for unauthorized commercial use and alleged heritage violations. The court responded to petitions claiming the owners were denied a personal hearing, emphasizing that each case must be individually reviewed. The committee must submit its report within two months, ahead of the next hearing on May 20. This move highlights the need for due process while balancing heritage preservation with the rights and livelihoods of local traders.Read more

In a recent development, the Ahmedabad Urban Development Authority (AUDA) approved a new SOP for setting up ready-mix concrete (RMC) plants, requiring operators to obtain licenses and adhere to pollution control measures. The authority also sanctioned 16 town planning schemes, including the redevelopment of Jaspur Lake and plantation work in Khoraj. Additionally, AUDA initiated reconstruction efforts for deteriorating housing under its urban poor housing scheme. These measures are part of Gujarat's ongoing efforts to enhance urban infrastructure and development.Read more

The Telangana Real Estate Regulatory Authority (TGRERA) has issued an interim directive to Jayathri Infrastructures India Pvt Ltd, instructing an immediate halt to all activities related to its 'Jaya Diamond' project. This action follows multiple complaints from homebuyers, consolidated under the Jaya Diamonds Welfare Association, citing prolonged construction delays and unfulfilled commitments. TGRERA has suspended the project's registration, barred any sales or transfers, and frozen the project's bank account. These measures will remain in effect until a final decision is rendered.Read more

The Noida Authority has filed FIRs against seven housing projects across various sectors for serious violations of environmental regulations, particularly regarding sewage and solid waste treatment. Six of the projects have also been slapped with fines amounting to INR 1.15 crore in total. The action follows inspections that revealed untreated wastewater being discharged into stormwater drains, in violation of pollution control laws. The move comes in line with directives from the National Green Tribunal. However, some residents' associations argue that they are complying with all waste and sewage management norms.Read more

The Karnataka High Court has upheld the acquisition of 750 acres by the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) for the expansion of the Banashankari 6th Stage layout in Bengaluru South Taluk. From this land, the BDA developed 5,991 residential sites, of which 4,983 have been allotted to various applicants. Petitioners challenged the revised acquisition area reduced from an initial 1,532 acres as arbitrary and discriminatory. However, the court ruled that the process was transparent and in the public interest, dismissing the writ appeals and confirming that the acquisition adhered to statutory guidelines.Read more

To prevent real estate fraud, the Delhi government is creating a digital platform to catalogue non-transferable properties. Acting on Chief Minister Smt Rekha Gupta's directive, district magistrates are conducting surveys of contested, unauthorized, and restricted properties. The portal will integrate with land databases to ensure accurate records and streamline property registration. By digitising records and eliminating bureaucratic hurdles, the initiative aims to reduce corruption and protect homebuyers. This move reflects the administration's commitment to transparency and legal clarity in property dealings, empowering citizens to make informed decisions while reinforcing trust in Delhi's evolving real estate framework.Read more

The Hubballi-Dharwad Municipal Corporation has launched Karnataka's premier aerial GIS survey to improve urban mapping and refine property taxation. With a budget of INR 23.5 crore and a 15-month timeline, the project involves firms from Dubai and Hyderabad, awaiting DGCA clearance to begin flights. Aircraft equipped with high-resolution cameras and LiDAR will gather detailed spatial data, aiding in the identification of untaxed properties and unauthorised constructions. This initiative seeks to expand the tax base, increase annual revenue from INR 150 crore to INR 400 crore, and create an accurate digital property database that supports efficient urban planning and transparent governance.Read more

India produces between 150 and 500 million tonnes of construction and demolition (C&D) waste annually, significantly impacting air and water quality. To address this, the Centre has enforced new rules under the Extended Producer Responsibility framework, effective from April 1 next year. These rules mandate large developers, recyclers, and waste facility operators to register on a tracking portal and meet recycling targets. Non-compliance will lead to environmental penalties. The Bureau of Indian Standards will draft usage guidelines for recycled materials. Local bodies must establish waste facilities and ensure policy execution, driving structured C&D waste management across states and Union Territories.Read more