The Jammu Development Authority (JDA) has issued a warning about the surge in unauthorized colonies in rural areas, urging buyers to verify colonizers' compliance with Change of Land Use (CLU) certificates and layout plan approvals. These illegal developments, driven by unchecked construction practices, threaten Jammu's planned growth. JDA Vice-Chairman Pankaj Kumar Sharma advised caution in property purchases and encouraged verification with JDA or JMC. Concurrently, the Jammu and Kashmir High Court directed authorities to investigate commercial activities in residential zones, highlighting zoning violations. The JDA's vigilance is vital to safeguarding investments and ensuring sustainable urban development in Jammu.Read more

The Central Government extended the Secunderabad Cantonment Board's (SCB) term by a year, reigniting discussions about its potential merger with the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC). This decision, formalized through a Ministry of Defence gazette notification, allows the SCB, led by Brigadier NV Nanjundeshwara, to function without elections since 2021. Merger delays stem from complexities in transferring defence lands, such as B-3 and C-lands, to the state government. Recent high-level meetings have sought to resolve these challenges. Advocates highlight the merger's potential to enhance infrastructure and governance, addressing long-standing issues for Secunderabad residents.Read more

Trichy Corporation is set to expand its jurisdiction by merging 22 village panchayats from four different panchayat unions, mainly in the northern and western regions. The expansion comes after a preliminary study in 2021 and the finalisation of the plan by the state government. While some urbanised panchayats will be fully merged, others, like Navalpattu and Kumbakudi, will undergo partial mergers. Concerns have emerged regarding the impact on residents, particularly those in rural panchayats who fear an increase in taxes and loss of government benefits. However, urban panchayats welcome the changes, seeing potential improvements in infrastructure.Read more

Uttar Pradesh RERA, under chairman Sanjay Bhoosreddy, recovered INR 674 crore in 17 months, surpassing INR 558.5 crore recovered since 2017. A total of INR 1,232 crore has been refunded to 5,124 homebuyers to date. The authority issued 12,472 recovery certificates worth INR 3,778.69 crore, resolving 85.2% of 56,130 complaints filed, mostly from Gautam Buddha Nagar and Lucknow. Innovative strategies, including on-site visits and legal actions, enhanced compliance. Over 1,500 complaints worth INR 600 crore were resolved through conciliation forums. UP RERA's proactive approach has bolstered consumer trust and reinvigorated the state's real estate sector.Read more

Justice T. Vinod Kumar of the Telangana High Court directed the state to initiate disciplinary action against revenue officials for their role in the improper acquisition of land for the Shivanna Gudem balancing reservoir project in Khudabakshpally village, Nalgonda district. The issue came to light when a villager, Ralla Srinivasa Chary, sought compensation for his land that was acquired for the project, despite having obtained permission from the relevant authorities to construct it. The judge expressed frustration over the authorities' approval of construction after the government had published the acquisition notification, and instructed the state to submit an affidavit on the actions taken against the officials.Read more

The Gujarat cabinet has approved the creation of nine new municipal corporations, increasing the total to 17, marking the first expansion in 14 years. Navsari, Gandhidham, Morbi, Vapi, Anand, Nadiad, Mehsana, Porbandar, and Surendranagar will gain corporation status, streamlining governance and boosting urban development. Anand and Surendranagar corporations will integrate nearby municipalities. The initiative aims to improve infrastructure, services, and funding. Administrators will oversee the transition before elections. Part of a broader strategy, the move underscores Gujarat's focus on addressing urban challenges and enhancing quality of life for its growing population. Wards will be delimited soon to finalize the process.Read more

The Noida Authority plans to construct peripheral roads around 20 villages along the Noida Expressway to protect residential areas from encroachment and define boundaries using satellite imagery. Following the UP government's 2024 recommendations, physical surveys revealed significant village expansion since 2011. The initiative addresses farmers' demands for better compensation and residential land development, while regularizing leaseback limits to 1,000 square metres. Villages in emerging areas will benefit most. The project reflects Noida's commitment to balancing urban growth with farmers' interests, promoting sustainable development and safeguarding community rights amidst rapid urbanisation. Surveys and implementation are being expedited.Read more

The Noida Authority is formulating a policy that would allow registries for residential plots and flats transferred through multiple general powers of attorney (GPAs). The policy aims to legitimise property ownership, recover lost revenue, and resolve long-standing legal issues. The policy could address the uncertainties around property ownership that have affected thousands of residents, particularly in sectors like Jalvayu Vihar. With an updated fee structure for subsequent GPA transfers, the initiative seeks to create a transparent system while boosting government revenue through stamp duty and transfer fees.Read more

Kerala is set to introduce a pioneering urban policy to guide development over the next 25 years. The state, which initiated an Urban Policy Commission (KUPC) with support from the AMRUT scheme, has already presented its interim report focusing on economic growth, urban governance, and planning. Kerala's rapid urbanisation presents opportunities and challenges, such as addressing climate change, improving infrastructure, and resolving financial inefficiencies in local governance. Recommendations include increasing local revenue, fostering private investment through municipal bonds, and focusing on sustainable urbanisation, all aimed at setting a national benchmark.Read more

Earlier this week, the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) allotted 343 tenements to the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) to resettle families displaced by the INR 18,838-crore Thane-Borivali twin tunnel project. While the allotment paves the way for the project to proceed, displaced families are unhappy about being moved from Borivali East. They have demanded in-situ rehabilitation or construction of additional housing to accommodate all 650 affected families. The 11.84-km long tunnel, expected to reduce travel time between Thane and the western suburbs, is set for completion by mid-2028.Read more