The Haryana Real Estate Regulatory Authority (H-RERA) has ordered a developer to refund INR 5.8 lakh with 11% annual interest to Bharat and Poonam Gupta, citing violations of the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016. The buyers alleged that after booking a flat in Mahira Homes in 2019 and paying the required amount, the builder failed to issue receipts, provide a sale agreement, or secure necessary approvals. After the builder cancelled the booking and refused a refund, H-RERA intervened, finding the developer in breach of legal requirements. The ruling underscores the importance of stringent enforcement of real estate laws to protect homebuyers.Read more

Authorities in Gurugram launched a major enforcement drive last week, targeting illegal constructions across the city. The Department of Town and Country Planning (DTCP) led the operation, demolishing unauthorized structures at Idea Cosmic Plaza, Alipur, and Raiseena villages. Officials dismantled two ramps, a gym, and two offices at Idea Cosmic Plaza while clearing 69 acres of illegal developments in Alipur and Raiseena. Legal action is underway against developers and brokers responsible for misleading buyers. Authorities urge prospective investors to verify land approvals to avoid financial losses. Strict enforcement measures will continue against future violations.Read more

The Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region Development Authority (VMRDA) is mapping land use for newly merged mandals, covering 2,456 sq km, to develop a master plan. Using DGPS and topographic surveys, VMRDA will digitize cadastral data and overlay satellite imagery for accurate land assessments. The expansion follows the 2020 and 2021 jurisdictional extensions, adding 14 mandals. The maps will integrate utility data, infrastructure networks, and approved layouts to ensure sustainable urban development. This initiative aims to provide structured regional planning for Visakhapatnam's growth, aligning future infrastructure needs with expanding urbanization.Read more

The Uttar Pradesh state's planning department has introduced an SOP for all government projects exceeding INR 50 crore under the EPC mode to enhance quality and durability. Independent auditors and civil engineers will evaluate raw materials and structural integrity. Departments must allocate 0.5% of the project budget for third-party audits. Quarterly technical reviews will be conducted at key construction stages. The PWD's 2023 guidelines will aid implementation. Final-stage checks will ensure proper drainage, waterproofing, and firefighting systems. Officials believe early independent assessments will improve project outcomes, reduce long-term maintenance costs, and uphold high construction standards for state infrastructure projects.Read more

Residents from 32 societies in Noida, including sectors 7x, 137, 141, and 167, staged a protest over delays in property registries, affecting nearly 100,000 homebuyers. Around 25,000 pending registries belong to the 7x sector alone, impacting over 150,000 residents. Some homebuyers even took their protest to the Mahakumbh in Prayagraj, seeking wider attention. Protesters demand the implementation of the Amitabh Kant Committee report and UP CM's intervention, urging local authorities to auction builders' assets if necessary. Frustration grows as delays, especially in Supertech projects, stretch for years, leaving buyers in financial distress and uncertainty.Read more

The BBMP is launching 1,000 e-khata kiosks across Bengaluru to simplify property registration and reduce a backlog of 1.4 lakh pending applications. Currently, only 1.6 lakh out of 22 lakh properties have obtained e-khatas. These kiosks will be operated by volunteers who have successfully registered their e-khatas and can assist neighbors in uploading documents through BBMP's system. A nominal fee will be charged for the service. The first kiosk will open in HRBR Layout next week. BBMP is also improving its online portal to enhance accessibility, aiming to ease Bengaluru's rapid urban expansion challenges.Read more

The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI) has amended regulations to allow resolution professionals (RPs) to grant possession of homes to buyers during the insolvency resolution process, with approval from the Committee of Creditors (CoC). This move aims to protect homebuyers' interests, improve resolution rates, and prevent property devaluation. With 500+ real estate firms undergoing insolvency, the amendments also enable homebuyer groups to bid for stalled projects and allow regulatory land bodies like NOIDA and HUDA to participate in CoC meetings. Legal experts welcome the change but stress the need for strong safeguards and clear guidelines to ensure effective implementation.Read more

The Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) has launched a special drive to streamline the processing of building permissions, occupancy certificates, and regularisation applications for all types of buildings. This initiative, which began earlier this month, will continue throughout the next month. GMC Mayor Mrigen Sarania stated that the programme aims to resolve the challenges faced by builders and allottees in obtaining timely approvals while addressing outstanding building-related matters. With 197 pending construction permits, the drive seeks to ensure efficient processing. Operating from the GMC office in Uzan Bazar, the initiative also aims to eliminate intermediary involvement. Property owners and builders are encouraged to participate actively to clear their pending applications.Read more

The Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA) has converted 580 residential properties from leasehold to freehold, following the government's approval of such conversions. Out of 867 applications received, 462 were submitted through BDA's online portal. The initial phase covers 24 housing schemes, including developments in Pokhariput, Chandrasekharpur, Patrapada, and Bhimpur, with additional schemes to be incorporated in future phases. The conversion fee is set at 3% of the latest benchmark valuation for residential properties. Applicants must provide necessary documents, including a no-objection certificate for mortgaged properties and an affidavit confirming the absence of civil disputes. Encroachers on government or BDA land are ineligible unless they relinquish the encroached property.Read more

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has halted a real estate project in Ghatikia due to non-compliance with environmental clearance conditions. The developer had completed eight of the 12 planned towers but failed to construct a required stormwater drain before seeking clearance for further work. SEIAA issued a show-cause notice, and after the builder continued construction, a resident lodged a complaint with the NGT. The tribunal ruled that work cannot resume until the developer meets SEIAA's conditions, granting a 15-day window for compliance. The builder's appeal to continue construction was rejected.Read more