Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) is struggling with illegal dumping of construction waste, particularly near lakes, despite its 25 designated waste sites and cleanup initiatives. Delays in AMC's INR 200-per-trip collection service have led to rampant nighttime dumping in areas like Koteshwar, Memnagar, and Gota, impacting the environment. Plans for a C&D waste processing plant in Gota were scrapped, with a new facility now under development at Gyaspur sewage farm. Residents urge better enforcement, awareness, and improved waste management strategies as Ahmedabad works to curb the growing problem and protect its 122 lakes from pollution.Read more

The Kamarhati Municipality has ordered the demolition of 57 unauthorized buildings in Belgharia-Kamarhati after safety inspections revealed structural risks. FIRs have been filed against 17 builders for violating construction laws, while authorities identified multiple tilting buildings in areas like Sasthitala, MacKenzie Road, and Ariadaha. The crackdown follows the near-collapse of a structure in Baghajatin, raising public safety concerns. Residents demand rehabilitation, criticizing officials for inaction against promoters. The municipality is exploring resettlement options, but enforcement measures are expected to tighten to prevent future illegal constructions in the area.Read more

The Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA) is pushing for an upgrade to a Metropolitan Development Authority (MDA) to better manage Kochi's rapid urbanization. Chairman K Chandran Pillai emphasized the GCDA's role in city planning during a meeting with the State Finance Commission, warning that dissolving the authority could hinder development. The GCDA also seeks approval to issue municipal bonds to fund infrastructure projects and has requested financial reforms, including government grants and tax exemptions. This proposal aligns with national trends, as cities look to strengthen planning bodies to address growing urban challenges and economic expansion.Read more

The Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has demolished 2,137 illegal scrap godowns and industrial units across 372 acres in Kudalwadi, Chikhali, with 806 structures removed in a single day. The action follows safety violations, including the absence of fire clearances, labor law breaches, and environmental violations. This crackdown intensified after a fire in Talawde killed 14 people. The PCMC plans further demolitions in areas like Walhekarwadi and Kalewadi. With migrant workers displaced, officials are exploring NGO partnerships for relief efforts while continuing to enforce safety regulations against illegal industrial operations.Read more

Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) currently operates seven sewage treatment plants utilising advanced Sequencing Batch Reactor (SBR) technology. To optimize the use of treated wastewater, tertiary treatment plants equipped with Ultra Filtration and Ultraviolet-Based Technology have been established at Koparkhairane and Airoli under the Central Government's Amrut Mission. The recycled water, post-tertiary treatment, is supplied to industries in the TTC Industrial Area for non-potable use. With redevelopment projects underway and declining rainfall leading to a drinking water shortage, the municipal corporation has mandated that developers utilise tertiary treated recycled water for approved construction projects to ensure efficient water management.Read more

The Chandigarh administration plans to introduce Aadhaar-based authentication for property registrations, aiming to streamline the verification process. This system will allow applicants to authenticate their identities using their Aadhaar numbers, either through biometric or demographic data submission to UIDAI's Central Identities Data Repository (CIDR). The initiative, set to launch soon, will complement manual document checks and improve transparency. Alongside Aadhaar verification, a similar process for PAN card authentication is also in the pipeline. These measures, coupled with the National Generic Document Registration System (NGDRS) introduced earlier, are expected to reduce processing time, minimise discrepancies, and prevent fraudulent activities.Read more

The Noida Authority has invited bids for a consultancy firm to oversee escrow accounts, track insolvency cases, and improve financial coordination. The selected firm will monitor developers' fund flow, ensuring land dues are cleared and preventing misuse of buyer payments. With 17 housing projects under NCLT proceedings, the consultant will assist in filing claims and coordinating with creditors. This move aims to recover pending dues, enhance transparency, and strengthen financial oversight in Noida's real estate sector. The deadline for submissions is February 18, with an initial one-year contract for the appointed consultant.Read more

The Builders Association of India (BAI) and Maharashtra State Contractor's Association (MSCA) plan to file legal action over INR 1 lakh crore in unpaid government dues. Contractors across 35 districts have halted work after their February 5 deadline for payment was ignored. The dues, pending since July 2023, affect projects under PWD, Rural Development, and Jan Jeevan Mission. Contractors argue that while government schemes receive funding, their payments remain stalled, threatening jobs and project continuity. They demand a freeze on new contracts until past bills are cleared, warning of further escalations if the issue remains unresolved.Read more

The National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) has reversed its July 2023 decision to initiate insolvency proceedings against Logix Infrastructure, citing fraudulent intent and collusion by the financial creditor, Experts Realty Professionals. The tribunal found that the insolvency application was filed with "mala fide intentions" and directed the management of Logix Infrastructure to be reinstated. An SFIO investigation has been ordered into the alleged fraud, and a INR 5 lakh penalty was imposed on Experts Realty. This ruling underscores concerns over the misuse of insolvency laws and highlights the need for stricter scrutiny of such cases in the real estate sector.Read more

The Department of Town and Country Planning (DTCP), with police support, demolished illegal gates in South City 1 and Sushant Lok 1 after receiving multiple complaints. Officials sealed illegal constructions and warned Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) against erecting unapproved barriers. The deputy commissioner mandated that internal road gates in licensed colonies and HSVP sectors remain open during the day. Authorities stated that only boom barriers, monitored by security personnel, are permissible. While residents welcomed improved accessibility, some raised security concerns. DTCP vowed to continue enforcement and urged citizens to report similar violations to ensure compliance with urban planning laws.Read more