Andhra Pradesh has launched a new land resurvey project, set to be completed in three years, as confirmed by Revenue Minister A Satya Prasad. The initiative, started on January 20, follows a pilot survey in selected villages and adopts a systematic approach, dividing villages into 20 blocks and surveying 20 acres daily. This effort aims to correct past errors, enhance transparency, and restore public trust in land administration. The updated land records will support urban planning, revenue collection, and infrastructure development, ensuring more accurate and reliable land management in the state.Read more

A special one-day drive to clear South Goa's backlog of unauthorized construction regularization petitions saw a poor response, with only 183 applicants attending out of 1,246 pending cases. Of the 96 cases processed, only 34 were approved. Despite efforts, 1,150 applications remain unresolved, highlighting slow progress. The initiative follows a January 2025 drive aimed at expediting approvals. The state government has set a March 2025 deadline to resolve 5,500 cases, but low participation and inefficiencies raise concerns. A more effective strategy, including better communication and streamlined processes, may be needed to meet the deadline.Read more

Ahmedabad's CID (crime) branch has arrested Raman Patel, owner of Popular Builders, for his alleged involvement in a decades-old land scam. The case stems from a 2024 complaint by Kanu Thakor, who accused Patel and others of fraudulently acquiring his ancestral land in Makarba using forged documents, including a fake death certificate. Investigations revealed that the land transfer in 1986 was illegal, as the deceased had passed away in 1980. Patel, who has a history of legal troubles, is in police custody until March 11. Authorities aim to uncover a larger land scam network through this case.Read more

The Calcutta High Court has directed Darjeeling municipality to prohibit unauthorized construction on Mall Road while hearing a case against alleged illegal development. The municipality defended its actions, stating that the current work is part of a Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA)-funded beautification project, including road expansion and hawker relocation. However, the petitioner presented an RTI response suggesting GTA was constructing a structure near Sunflower Hotel. The court has now ordered GTA's inclusion in the case and requested a detailed project report. The final ruling will determine if the redevelopment aligns with legal requirements.Read more

The Greater Ludhiana Area Development Authority (GLADA) conducted an eviction drive in Sector 40, Chandigarh Road, removing illegal occupants from three low-income group flats. These flats were part of a court case over unauthorized occupancy. GLADA initially built 319 flats, of which 82 were illegally taken over. After previous evictions, only three units remained occupied, which were cleared by breaking locks and sealing the flats. This effort is part of GLADA's wider crackdown on illegal housing and encroachments. The authority continues to issue warnings and demolish unauthorized settlements, ensuring that government housing is used lawfully and benefits rightful beneficiaries.Read more

The Indore Municipal Corporation (IMC) recently conducted demolition drives in Khajrana and Nipania, targeting illegal constructions. In Khajrana, a three-story building and an unauthorized commercial structure were demolished due to lack of permits, despite prior warnings. In Nipania, illegal encroachments at Tanya Resort, including a clubhouse and pool, were removed. IMC officials emphasized that these actions followed repeated notifications ignored by property owners. This reflects IMC's ongoing efforts to enforce zoning regulations and prevent unplanned development, as demonstrated by past demolitions in Chhoti Khajrani and Khajrana Main Road. The IMC aims to ensure adherence to municipal norms for better urban planning.Read more

The Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) is under scrutiny after a Lokayukta report revealed 1,055 site allotments under the controversial 50-50 scheme (2016-2024). Originally meant to compensate landowners, the scheme allegedly saw irregular allotments in upscale areas, raising transparency concerns. A 2017 High Court ruling worsened MUDA's financial losses. Allegations surfaced of up to 4,000 sites being allocated improperly, though the investigation confirms 1,055. The Lokayukta has urged a deeper probe, and a Bengaluru special court will decide on expanding the investigation.Read more

The Gujarat government has introduced new rules to regulate transfer fees in co-operative housing societies, making property transactions more transparent and affordable. Under the Gujarat Co-operative Societies (Amendment) Rules, 2025, societies cannot charge more than 0.5% of the sale value or INR 1 lakh, whichever is lower. Additional charges like development fees, donations, or contributions to funds are also banned. If a property is inherited, no transfer fee applies. The move addresses concerns over arbitrary charges and aims to protect homebuyers. Experts have welcomed the reform, calling it a crucial step in ensuring fair and transparent property transfers.Read more

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has directed officials to resolve land acquisition disputes in Agra through amicable negotiations with farmers. Land aggregation in Rahankalan and Raipur is crucial for urban expansion, but compensation issues have led to protests. In a high-level review meeting, Yogi emphasized structured urban development across seven key cities to support Uttar Pradesh's USD 1 trillion economy goal. Plans include 100 new townships, hospitals, and hotels, along with slum redevelopment and GIS-based master plans for 59 cities. He also pushed for a centralized digital approval system and faster completion of metro and convention center projects.Read more

The Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) buildings department sanctioned four building plans for small plots ranging from 450 to 1,500 square feet in Garia and nearby areas off EM Bypass earlier this week. Prior to this, two small plots in the Kasba-Garfa belt and Patuli had also received approval. In an effort to curb unauthorised constructions, KMC has introduced amendments to existing building regulations, encouraging small plot owners to submit plans for approval. The relaxations will be applicable to plots between 350 and 2,100 square feet, provided the owners engage an architect or structural engineer for compliance. The initiative, which includes colony and thika land, may be expanded based on public response.Read more