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The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) evacuated residents from Dsouza Mansion in Santacruz, a C1-rated building deemed dangerous. The structure, which had been under scrutiny for its deteriorating condition, was vacated with police assistance to ensure compliance. Residents who had been resisting relocation expressed concerns over inadequate alternatives. The building's structural integrity had been questioned following recent municipal audits categorizing it as unsafe. Despite opposition from occupants, the civic body proceeded with the eviction to prevent potential hazards, marking another instance of BMC's ongoing efforts to address Mumbai's ageing infrastructure.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is investigating an alleged land-grabbing and money laundering case involving unauthorized buildings in Nalasopara, constructed on public land. The case involves the demolition of four buildings by the Vasai-Virar Municipal Corporation (VVMC) in January, following a Supreme Court order that deemed them illegal. Authorities claim that the accused fraudulently acquired land, constructed 41 buildings, and sold flats worth INR 1,500-1,600 crore. This led to the eviction of 2,500 families, a matter recently debated in the Maharashtra state legislature. The agency suspects that the funds from these sales were laundered through various channels, prompting a deeper probe into the money trail.
Western Railway is set to clear encroachments on a 15,000 sq. meter prime plot in Bandra (East) near the Western Express Highway, earmarked for long-term infrastructure projects. While the land will not be used for commercial purposes, it is reserved for future expansion of railway activities. The plot, currently divided by a nullah and partially encroached upon, has suffered damage due to the dumping of construction debris. Officials highlighted that these squatters will soon be relocated following due process. Previously, the Railways conducted anti-encroachment drives in 2022, but illegal occupants returned. The land, valued at approximately INR 150 crore, remains crucial for upcoming railway development in Mumbai.
The CBI has registered three FIRs following the Allahabad High Court's directive over alleged irregularities in the INR 9,000 crore Noida Sports City project between 2011 and 2014. The cases involve real estate firms Logix Infra Developers Pvt Ltd, Xanadu Estates Pvt Ltd, and Lotus Green Constructions Pvt Ltd, along with their directors and unnamed Noida Authority officials. The project aimed to create sports facilities with residential and commercial developments in sectors 78, 79, and 150 of Noida. Allegations include repeated breaches of project conditions and collusion with officials, resulting in significant financial loss to the state. CBI searches in Delhi and Noida have uncovered incriminating documents and digital evidence.
The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), alongside Delhi Police, carried out a major anti-encroachment operation in Sultanpuri, targeting illegal structures and reclaiming public land. The focus was on an abandoned community toilet complex in P-block that had been unlawfully occupied, disrupting public movement and raising safety concerns. The initiative is part of the MCD's broader mission to enhance civic order, restore public spaces, and improve urban infrastructure. Authorities have reiterated their commitment to ongoing enforcement measures to keep public areas clean, safe, and accessible to the community, urging residents to comply with municipal regulations.
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The Orissa High Court has instructed the secretary of the revenue and disaster management department to prepare a comprehensive five-year plan to address land encroachments in both rural and urban areas of Odisha. The court, led by Justice S K Panigrahi, also requested a detailed affidavit within 10 days outlining immediate measures against encroachers. This directive came during a hearing on a petition challenging the Bhubaneswar Development Authority's eviction action under the Odisha Prevention of Land Encroachment Act. The petitioner, who has occupied the land for 30 years, alleged eviction efforts without formal notice. The court granted interim protection against coercive action until April 10.
The Calcutta High Court has ordered the demolition of three illegally constructed floors along a six-foot-wide lane in Watgunge, directing the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) to carry out the demolition and inspect nearby structures. A division bench, led by Chief Justice TS Sivagnanam, instructed police to evict 53 occupants from the building, serving notices for vacating by April 30, with forced eviction by May 10 if required. The demolition is scheduled to begin on June 19, with KMC to submit a compliance report. The court criticized the building owner for unauthorized construction, flagged concerns over fire safety risks, and reprimanded KMC officials for withholding facts and allegedly protecting the private respondent.
The Indore Municipal Corporation (IMC) took action against unauthorized constructions in Dhar Kothi on Thursday, demolishing a penthouse and commercial structure built as part of a three-storeyed building at 76 Dhar Kothi under Zone 11. The structures were reportedly constructed in violation of approved plans. The IMC team, equipped with earthmoving machinery, swiftly removed the illegal portions of the building. Officials stated that this demolition is part of IMC's ongoing campaign against unauthorized constructions, with further actions planned for similar violations across the city.
The Nashik Municipal Corporation (NMC) has temporarily permitted offline submissions and approvals of building plans from March 16 to March 26 due to a server outage affecting its online system. Civic chief Manisha Khatri issued a circular authorising builders and developers to submit plans and obtain completion certificates offline, just 15 days before the financial year-end. The town planning department must maintain a separate register for these offline transactions. Earlier, Khatri had mandated an entirely online process and decentralized approval powers within the department to speed up clearances.
The Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA) has announced that its Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Housing and Area Development Board will conduct its first Janata Darbar Din on March 28, 2025, to facilitate direct grievance redressal. The initiative, modeled after Lokshahi Din, aligns with Maharashtra's 100-day action plan, prioritizing citizen concerns under directives from the state's leadership. The forum, chaired by the Chief Officer of the Board, will be held at the Board's office on CBS Road, with written applications due by March 27. The move follows a similar initiative by MHADA's Nashik Board, which successfully conducted its first Janata Darbar Din earlier this month and will now hold the sessions regularly.
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