The Goa government is revising its setback policy for buildings along highways, increasing the current 20-metre limit. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has approved the move, and officials are considering a 30-metre setback instead of the 40 metres recommended by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. A higher setback could impact ongoing and planned constructions, so the Public Works Department (PWD) is assessing how many structures will be affected. Since land beyond highways belongs to panchayats and comunidades, this adds complexity. Until the policy is finalised, PWD has put approvals on hold while discussions continue on a feasible solution.Read more

The Maharashtra government has proposed increasing the height limit for high-rise buildings in Mumbai from 120 to 180 metres, pending approval from the BMC's Technical Committee. This change would allow buildings to reach up to 50-60 floors, compared to the current 40-floor limit. The proposal has been widely welcomed by the real estate sector, with industry leaders highlighting its potential to streamline approval processes, improve land efficiency, and support Mumbai's vertical growth. Experts emphasise the importance of sustainability, robust infrastructure, and safety regulations to ensure the success of this initiative in addressing the city's housing demand.Read more

The Ghaziabad Development Authority (GDA) has reclaimed over 60,000 square meters of land from illegal encroachments in the past year, targeting 30 unauthorized colonies. Between January 1, 2024, and January 17, 2025, the GDA demolished 87 illegal structures, sealed 280 properties, and registered 172 FIRs, collecting fines worth INR 29.36 crore. The reclaimed land is crucial for the Harnandipuram township project, which requires 501 hectares. The demolition efforts have focused on key areas near the Transit-Oriented Development zone. GDA's crackdown aims to enforce urban planning regulations and ensure sustainable development in Ghaziabad.Read more

The Nagpur division will conduct drone surveys across 6,116 villages under the central government's SVAMITVA scheme to issue property cards using geo-tagging technology. This initiative, covering nearly 20% of Maharashtra's participating villages, aims to modernize rural land records. With 4,447 villages completing final reviews, the scheme has already generated INR 12.96 crore in revenue, with total projections reaching INR 33.74 crore. Nagpur leads in surveys, followed by Gadchiroli and Chandrapur. With 407 camps set up to facilitate the process, the initiative is expected to reduce land disputes and empower rural communities with formal property documentation.Read more

Punjab State Chief Information Commissioner Inderpal Singh has directed authorities to conduct a survey of unauthorized colonies in Ludhiana, highlighting the state's failure to assess illegal settlements for seven years. The order follows a Right to Information (RTI) request where the Greater Ludhiana Area Development Authority (GLADA) failed to provide a clear list of unauthorized colonies, citing outdated 2018 data. The directive aims to prevent financial losses and improve urban planning. Residents express concerns over unchecked illegal developments, urging greater transparency and accountability from the government to regulate unauthorized colonies effectively.Read more

The Karnataka government has launched a new public-private partnership (PPP) policy, opening 109 sectors for private investment to address financial challenges and enhance infrastructure development. Key areas include agriculture, energy, healthcare, transportation, and housing. A notable feature is the 'Swiss Challenge' method, allowing private firms to submit unsolicited project proposals with innovative solutions. Investment thresholds range from INR 25-50 crore, with higher limits for irrigation projects. The policy aims to attract investment, create jobs, and modernize public services while ensuring government support for non-viable social projects. This initiative is expected to drive economic growth and urban expansion.Read more

The Uttar Pradesh cabinet has sanctioned the creation of a development authority for Shahjahanpur to manage urban growth and construction. The new body will oversee land acquisition and housing schemes while ensuring regulatory compliance. Officials stated that upgrading the city's municipal status necessitated better planning measures to curb unauthorised development. Once implemented, property owners will need approval for construction, and illegal structures will face action. This initiative makes Shahjahanpur the 30th city in the state to get a dedicated development authority.Read more

The Lucknow Development Authority (LDA) will host 'Manchitra Samadhan Diwas' to address concerns related to building map approvals and pending No Objection Certificates (NOCs). This initiative aims to streamline approval processes, resolve long-pending cases, and promote planned development. The camp will assist homeowners, developers, and commercial property investors by expediting approvals for building plans, land consolidation, and zoning compliance. Authorities will ensure adherence to road width regulations for safety and accessibility. By reducing bureaucratic delays and enhancing urban planning transparency, the LDA aims to facilitate efficient property development while preventing unauthorized construction.Read more

The Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) has approved a rare building plan for a 410 sq ft plot, relaxing its usual minimum requirement of 720 sq ft. This decision, made during a mayor-in-council meeting, aims to prevent unauthorised construction on small plots. The move follows an appeal from a landowner on Middle Road, with similar cases pending across multiple wards. To regulate small-plot construction, the KMC is considering a broader policy change, initially covering colony and thika land. The proposed amendment will allow construction on plots between 350 sq ft and 2,100 sq ft, provided owners hire professionals and adhere to safety norms.Read more

The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI) has issued a discussion paper aimed at enhancing the operational aspects of the insolvency resolution framework. The proposed amendments include strengthening the Committee of Creditors' (CoC) decision-making process, improving coordination for interconnected entities undergoing insolvency proceedings, and mandating the submission of a Statement of Affairs by corporate debtors. The paper also suggests revisions to the resolution plan submission process, restrictions on seeking modifications post-approval, and the removal of the provision for the sale of corporate debtors as a going concern. Public comments are invited until February 25.Read more