The Kalyan Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC) is set to demolish 65 illegal buildings in Dombivli, affecting approximately 6,500 homebuyers. These structures were built using forged MahaRERA certificates and fake building plans. The scam, exposed in 2022 by architect Sandeep Patil, led to legal action and the arrest of 15 individuals. Despite residents seeking regularisation, their applications were rejected due to non-compliance with legal norms. The Bombay High Court upheld the demolition order, prompting KDMC to issue eviction notices. Meanwhile, a Special Investigating Team (SIT) is examining the involvement of influential figures and has frozen the bank accounts of implicated developers.Read more

Under the Maharashtra government's 100-day action plan, MHADA aims to complete structural audits of 1,300 cessed buildings in Mumbai within a year. Of the 500 buildings marked for assessment, 171 have been inspected, with reports received for 32. Notices under Section 79(A) will soon be issued to landlords, urging redevelopment proposals. Meanwhile, the long-delayed Patra Chawl redevelopment is nearing completion, offering relief to displaced tenants. Additionally, MHADA is launching an online system for lease deed conveyance, streamlining property transactions and enhancing transparency. These measures highlight the government's commitment to improving Mumbai's ageing housing infrastructure.Read more

The West Bengal government has set up an eight-member committee to handle minor unauthorized construction issues in municipal areas, excluding Kolkata but covering Bidhannagar and New Town. The committee will review deviations from sanctioned plans under the West Bengal Municipal (Building) Rules, 2007, offering technical opinions to civic bodies on safety and compliance. This initiative follows recent guidelines on tilted buildings and aims to prevent larger violations amid rapid urbanization. By ensuring better enforcement of regulations, the state seeks to enhance urban planning and safety while improving communication between developers and authorities.Read more

Haryana Real Estate Regulatory Authority (HRERA) has taken strict action against six developers by seizing security deposits amounting to INR 2.25 crore due to non-compliance with registration conditions. Additionally, two promoters have been penalised INR 25 lakh each for failing to meet project timelines under Section 4(2)(1)(C) of the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016. Despite these penalties, their RERA registration certificates remain valid but with revised project deadlines. The authority has reiterated its commitment to enforcing accountability and ensuring homebuyers receive their properties on time. Experts suggest such measures will deter developers from project delays and encourage adherence to regulations.Read more

At a recent public grievance hearing in Lucknow, Divisional Commissioner Roshan Jacob directed an FIR against a builder for illegally resuming construction on a sealed property in Wazirganj. The session, held at the LDA office, addressed 30 complaints, resolving eight immediately. Key issues included property encroachments and illegal constructions, with officials ordering swift action against violators. Cases such as unauthorized construction, illegal occupations, and encroached parking spaces highlight urban governance challenges. The administration's firm stance, including filing FIRs and eviction orders, underscores its commitment to enforcing laws, promoting transparency, and ensuring accountability in real estate matters.Read more

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has expressed its disapproval with the Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (GMADA) for proceeding with the Purab Premium Apartments project without mandatory legal clearances. GMADA failed to obtain Consent to Establish and Consent to Operate, and its environmental clearance expired in 2020. The NGT ordered an investigation to identify responsible officials and demanded a compliance report within three months. The Punjab Pollution Control Board imposed an INR 1.02 crore fine for violations, with further penalties under review. The case underscores environmental risks, governance failures, and the need for stricter enforcement of environmental laws in urban development.Read more

The Punjab and Haryana High Court recently ordered the district administration and the Department of Town and Country Planning (DTCP) to take strict action against over 4,500 unauthorised constructions in Gurugram's DLF Phases 1-5. These violations include illegal modifications and business operations in residential zones, particularly in Economically Weaker Section (EWS) housing. The case stems from a PIL filed in 2021 by the DLF City Residents Welfare Association, highlighting unauthorised commercial activity in residential areas. The court instructed the authorities to complete enforcement measures within two months and submit a detailed report.Read more

The number of developers consistently filing their Quarterly Progress Reports (QPR) with the Maharashtra Real Estate Regulatory Authority (MahaRERA) has seen a significant rise. Currently, 62% of housing projects are updated on the MahaRERA website, a substantial increase from a mere 0.02% when the compliance review began. This improvement is attributed to MahaRERA's rigorous follow-ups, legal measures, and penalties, including freezing project-linked bank accounts and suspending registration numbers. The authority has reinforced compliance by establishing a dedicated Compliance Cell and implementing a Financial Quarter Based Project Progress Reporting System. These steps have led to enhanced transparency, reducing homebuyer complaints while ensuring that developers meet regulatory obligations.Read more

Telangana RERA has ruled in favor of a homebuyer, ordering Parijatha Homes & Developers to compensate for a delayed flat handover. Buyer Kollepara Veera Venkata Satya Vara Prasad paid INR 27.50 lakh for a unit in 'Parijatha Pride,' which was due for possession by December 2021. Delays forced him to pay home loan EMIs without access to the property. The builder blamed COVID-19 and cost escalations but failed to meet promised deadlines. RERA directed completion within 90 days and imposed an 11.1% annual interest penalty on payments since January 2022. The case highlights growing accountability in the real estate sector.Read more

The Nagpur Improvement Trust (NIT) and Nagpur Metropolitan Region Development Authority (NMRDA) held a Lokshahi Din to address citizens' grievances on urban development. Around 15 residents attended, raising concerns over layout development, property regularization, and lease agreements. A key issue highlighted was the lack of infrastructure in Zingabai Takli, where 400-500 plot owners still await roads, sewage systems, and recreational spaces despite regularization. Officials assured action within days. While the initiative aims to enhance transparency and civic engagement, the low turnout signals a need for better outreach. As Nagpur expands, authorities are urged to prioritize sustainable urban planning and ensure timely execution of infrastructure projects.Read more