The Uttar Pradesh government is launching a comprehensive survey of over 42,000 industrial units across seven industrial authorities, including Noida, Greater Noida, and YEIDA, to assess operational status and identify available land. Coordinated by UPSIDA and aided by a mobile app for real-time data collection, the survey aims to support Uttar Pradesh's $1 trillion economy target. It will detail land use, industry type, and operational metrics, focusing on repurposing defunct plots for new projects. Agencies will be selected for efficient data collection within four months, enhancing planning, investment, and job creation across the state's industrial landscape.Read more

The Maharashtra Real Estate Regulatory Authority (MahaRERA) has garnered a substantial response to the 10,773 notices issued to developers of lapsed housing projects. Out of these, 5,324 developers have responded, with many submitting occupancy certificates or seeking deadline extensions. Strict actions, including freezing bank accounts and halting transactions, have been implemented against 1,950 non-compliant projects, with similar measures underway for an additional 3,499. MahaRERA emphasises regular updates on project progress, aiming to enhance transparency and protect homebuyers' interests.Read more

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has instructed the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) to respond within two weeks regarding its demolition order for a Naroa, Bicholim structure, claimed to predate 1991. The applicant argues the September 2024 order violated due process, as they were not notified beforehand. Despite multiple summons, GCZMA's absence led the NGT to mandate maintaining the property's status quo until the January 28, 2025 hearing. This case raises broader concerns about coastal regulations and transparency in Goa, sparking debates on balancing environmental protections with property rights in the state's ecologically sensitive coastal areas.Read more

The Municipal Corporation of Gurugram (MCG) is boosting communication with Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) through meetings on January 9 and 10, targeting Zones 1 and 2, with similar gatherings planned for other zones. MCG Commissioner Ashok Kumar Garg aims to understand and address residents' challenges, complementing this initiative with "samadhan camps" for resolving property tax and infrastructure complaints on the spot. Emphasizing swift action, Garg has directed zonal officers to inspect and address issues like sewer overflow promptly. These efforts highlight MCG's commitment to fostering community dialogue and improving service delivery, setting a model for citizen-centric urban governance.Read more

The Allahabad High Court rebuked the Lucknow Development Authority and Lucknow Municipal Corporation for delaying the demolition of illegal structures declared unlawful decades ago. The court demanded the principal secretary of housing and urban planning outline measures to address illegal constructions and prevent future violations. Highlighting urban planning as the state's primary responsibility, the court pointed out the need for proactive governance to ensure public welfare. It expressed dismay over the failure to enforce demolition orders issued in 2012 and warned of strict accountability. The case underscores the urgent need for effective urban regulation and adherence to developmental norms.Read more

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has announced a three-month campaign from January to March 2025, targeting unauthorized constructions and enhancing property tax collections. Under Section 152(A) of the Mumbai Municipal Corporation Act, violators face a 200% penalty on property taxes, with demolition actions for non-compliance. Led by Additional Municipal Commissioner Ashwini Joshi, the initiative aims to ensure safety, compliance, and increased revenue before the financial year ends. Assistant Commissioner Vinayak Vispute emphasized proactive monitoring and public cooperation to foster adherence to construction regulations. The campaign reflects the BMC's commitment to creating a sustainable and organized urban environment for Mumbai's residents.Read more

The Noida Authority, with local officials, reclaimed 150 acres of Hindon River floodplain land in Sorkha village, valued at INR 480 crore, from illegal colonizers. A demolition drive, involving 50 personnel, dismantled unauthorized boundary walls and plots. CEO Lokesh M warned against buying illegal properties, stressing financial risks. Additionally, an unauthorized building in Wajidpur village was sealed after defying notices and court orders. Over 200 unauthorized structures in the region have been identified for legal action. This proactive effort underscores the need for vigilance in real estate transactions and the importance of adhering to legal guidelines to prevent land encroachment.Read more

The Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (GMADA) has issued notices to 15-20 under-construction buildings in New Chandigarh's Mullanpur, Siswan, Kubaheri, and Majra villages, targeting illegal constructions lacking necessary approvals. Residents had raised concerns about unchecked building activities, prompting GMADA's action. The affected structures, already halfway completed, highlight regulatory delays and potential financial losses from evaded taxes and fees. GMADA warns of demolitions if clearances aren't provided and plans stricter monitoring, inspections, and public awareness campaigns to curb illegal construction. These efforts aim to address the broader challenge of unregulated urban development and ensure sustainable growth in New Chandigarh.Read more

Delhi Police's Economic Offences Wing arrested two individuals for separate financial frauds totaling INR 5.9 crore. Rahul Kumar, director of a private firm, allegedly duped 18 investors out of INR 3.2 crore by promising 20-30% monthly returns on a fake project in Khurja, Uttar Pradesh. When investors sought refunds, Kumar issued cheques that bounced. In a separate case, Chandra Shekhar Saxena, CMD of another firm, defrauded an NBFC of INR 2.7 crore by using a fictitious commercial unit in a Gurgaon mall as collateral. Both cases highlight rising financial frauds and underscore the need for tighter regulations and public vigilance in financial transactions.Read more

Karnataka has proposed draft regulations to amend Bengaluru's Revised Master Plan-2015, enabling developers to purchase additional Floor Area Ratio (FAR) based on road widths. For roads over 30 feet wide, premium FAR ranges from 20% to 60%, priced at a minimum of 28% of the guidance value. This initiative follows the withdrawal of the Karnataka Town and Country Planning (Amendment) Bill-2023, bypassing legislative approval. While developers anticipate economic benefits, critics worry about potential overcrowding and infrastructure strain. A 30-day public feedback window is open to address these concerns. The proposal marks a pivotal moment in Bengaluru's urban planning evolution.Read more