Kolkata's urban development department has issued new guidelines to address the issue of tilting buildings in areas like Salt Lake and New Town. Building owners must submit detailed proposals, including soil test reports and lifting mechanisms, to their local civic body for review. Structural engineers and licensed agencies will oversee the process to ensure safety compliance. The guidelines emphasize soil stability assessments and professional supervision to mitigate risks. Residents are encouraged to report signs of tilting to local authorities promptly. These measures aim to enhance urban safety, protect structural integrity, and create a safer living environment in Kolkata.Read more

The Odisha government plans to extend its town planning scheme from Bhubaneswar to Sambalpur and Rourkela to enhance urban infrastructure. Currently, only 17% of the state's urban areas have planned townships, with a goal to increase this to 30% by 2036. Housing and Urban Development Minister Krushna Chandra Mahapatra emphasized the need for structured urban growth. The initiative allows landowners to contribute land for redevelopment, receiving 60% back with improved infrastructure. Officials also discussed challenges in apartment and plot registrations. The expansion aims to create sustainable cities, addressing rising urban migration and ensuring better living standards.Read more

The Bengaluru Development Authority (BDA) reclaimed property worth INR 120 crore in Malagala village, Nagarabhavi Layout, which had been illegally occupied for over two decades. The land, owned by BDA, had been claimed by an individual as his ancestral property, and unauthorized structures were constructed. This move is part of BDA's broader effort to address widespread land encroachments in the city. The action follows a similar demolition drive in the Machohalli area of Nagarabhavi Layout, where several illegal structures were removed last week.Read more

The Vasai Virar City Municipal Corporation (VVMC) is demolishing 41 unauthorised buildings in Achole, Nalasopara East, constructed on land reserved for civic amenities. Built without approvals between 2010 and 2012, these structures have displaced thousands. Despite political assurances, residents were forcibly evicted, with their belongings left on the streets. Legal action followed a public interest petition, with courts ordering the demolition of these illegal constructions. The evictions reflect the human cost of systemic corruption and poor governance in urban development.Read more

The Urban Development and Housing (UDH) department has extended the construction timeline for Jaipur Development Authority (JDA) plots by charging a repossession fee. Previously, under the Rajasthan Municipal Improvement Trust (Urban Land Execution) Rules 1974, plots were automatically cancelled if construction was not completed within the prescribed period. A recent order permits exemptions in the repossession fee for cases pending until late 2024, with the construction deadline extended until late 2025. However, previously settled cases remain unaffected, and no refunds will be issued.Read more

The Noida Authority is making strong efforts to reclaim over 8.5 lakh sqm of unused land from Unitech, which is valued at over INR 10,000 crore, in order to recover dues of more than INR 11,000 crore. The reclaimed land spans several sectors and has remained undeveloped, despite being allotted to Unitech. Following a series of directives from the Supreme Court, Noida Authority continues to seek approval for projects in some sectors, but unresolved disputes and pending dues have hindered progress. A future hearing is scheduled to address these issues further.Read more

The Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (GMADA) has demolished 40 under-construction structures in Nayagaon's Karoran village as part of efforts to curb unauthorized colonies. Led by Assistant Town Planner Gagandeep Singh and Junior Engineer Kushal Sharma, the operation aims to enforce urban planning regulations and protect public resources. The surge in illegal colonies due to rising housing demand has raised concerns over infrastructure and planning deficiencies. GMADA is working on partnerships with private developers to provide affordable, legally compliant housing options while urging residents to avoid investing in unauthorized properties to prevent legal risks.Read more

The Telangana High Court has paused the auction of 24 stray plots in Kukatpally Housing Board (KPHB) colony to assess whether the land forms part of designated open spaces. The plots, ranging from 30 to 290 square yards, were auctioned on January 24 despite a petition from the KPHB Sri Venkata Ramana Colony Welfare Association. The court emphasized the need to verify if the approved layout's required five acres of open space was allocated, citing urban planning rules. Residents fear the auction may reduce community spaces vital for recreation. The next hearing is set for January 30.Read more

The Uttar Pradesh Real Estate Regulatory Authority (UP-RERA) has issued strict instructions to developers and agents, mandating compliance with regulatory guidelines for advertisements. Chairman Sanjay Bhoosreddy stressed that marketing materials must include RERA registration numbers, website links, QR codes, and declaration accounts to avoid hefty penalties. UP-RERA has already imposed penalties totalling INR 266 crore on 91 violators. Homebuyers were advised to verify project details online to mitigate financial risks, while repeat offenders may face fines of up to 5% of the project's cost. The measures apply to all media platforms, including print, TV, and digital media.Read more

The Bombay High Court has granted Sheth Developers permission to complete Building No. 8 in the Vasant Lawns project, Thane, after quashing a previous injunction by the district court. The injunction had halted construction due to disputes over revised plans and allegations of non-compliance with the Maharashtra Ownership Flats Act (MOFA). The High Court found the societies' demands to revert to the 2005 plan impractical and highlighted that further delays would harm the developer and flat purchasers. The developer must finish construction within six months and apply for the Occupancy Certificate thereafter.Read more