A PMLA court in Gurugram has framed charges against the promoters and key officials of SRS Group in a money laundering case worth around INR 2,200 crore. The Enforcement Directorate found that the group collected funds from homebuyers and investors with promises of high returns, but diverted the money through shell companies into unrelated ventures. Earlier, a provisional attachment of INR 2,215 crore was issued, and several accused were declared fugitives under the Fugitive Economic Offenders Act. One accused was recently deported to India, and the trial is now set to begin.Read more

The Goa State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (Goa-SEIAA) has issued new guidelines requiring the Town & Country Planning Department (TCP) and the Planning & Development Authority, North Goa and Planning & Development Authority, South Goa (PDAs) to inform it whenever they approve a building project with a built-up area exceeding 20,000 sqm. The authority will then notify the TCP or concerned PDA if it grants environmental clearance (EC) for such projects. Earlier this year a meeting highlighted that building plan approvals were being granted without prior EC, prompting the change. The new process ensures environmental assessments are completed before major construction begins.Read more

A joint committee led by the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board has informed the National Green Tribunal (NGT) that the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) must prepare a detailed action plan to stop untreated sewage from entering the Bhima River. The tribunal's earlier directive pointed out that responsibilities were being shifted between authorities. During a site visit the committee found untreated sewage flowing from the Satkarsthan Gram Panchayat area into the river. The NGT has asked for environmental-damage compensation from the local bodies and set deadlines for PMRDA and others to respond fully.Read more

Actor Saira Banu Khan has formally settled her long-standing property dispute with Mumbai builder Sameer Bhojwani, leading the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) to close the cheating and forgery case filed in 2018. The dispute involved a 2,412 sq yd plot in Bandra's Pali Hill area, near her residence. Banu stated in an affidavit submitted in 2022 that the matter stemmed from misunderstandings and had been amicably resolved. Following her statement, the EOW filed a closure report that was accepted by a magistrate. Another unrelated case against Bhojwani remains pending.Read more

The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) this week dismantled 14 illegal constructions surrounding Bhoja Talav along the Narol-Aslali Highway in Vatva, freeing approximately 12,540 sq m of lake-land from encroachment. At the same time in Lambha ward, two unused public toilet blocks and five compound walls in Saijpur-Gopalpur were removed. In Jamalpur, a structure on a leased plot whose lease expired in 2009 was demolished under police protection as the occupant was reportedly a history sheathe. Meanwhile, the AMC's solid waste management team inspected 289 units city-wide, issued littering notices in 116 cases, and seized 6 kg of banned plastic.Read more

Haryana Chief Minister emphasised that Gurugram, one of the fastest-growing cities in the state, must have efficient civic services. He instructed officials to prepare detailed reports on water supply, sewerage systems, and sewage treatment plants, while ensuring timely resolution of grievances. Seventeen complaints were addressed in a review meeting, with 15 resolved immediately and two pending further action. He also directed strict measures against illegal water supply operations and builders failing to provide basic amenities. The directives aim to strengthen governance and infrastructure in the rapidly expanding city.Read more

Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) has been declared the top performer in the Local Self-Government category of the Sixth National Water Awards � 2024, organised by the Ministry of Jal Shakti. The recognition highlights the corporation�s commendable efforts in water conservation and management. The award ceremony is scheduled to take place in New Delhi later this month, where the President of India will felicitate the winners.Read more

The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) launched a vigorous demolition drive in the Koparkhairane division earlier this month under the directives of Municipal Commissioner Dr Kailas Shinde. Guided by Additional Commissioner (2) Dr Rahul Gethe and Deputy Commissioner (Encroachment) Dr Kailas Gaikwad, the encroachment department acted upon court orders to remove an unauthorised structure in Mahape village. The structure, measuring approximately 6.5 metres by 6 metres, was demolished in compliance with judicial directives. Senior officials, engineers, and civic staff participated in the operation with police security and labour assistance.Read more

The Ludhiana Municipal Corporation (LMC) recently took strong action against unauthorised construction in the city. Three shops in Nirankari Mohalla and a building in Narinder Nagar were sealed, while an under-construction commercial property near Mohar Singh Nagar was demolished for illegal conversion from residential to commercial use. Officials highlighted that construction without approved building plans is strictly prohibited. This move reinforces ongoing regulatory enforcement and serves as a reminder for property owners to comply with civic regulations before starting any construction work.Read more

The Chandigarh Municipal Corporation (CMC) has decided to develop 17 additional locations across the city for construction and demolition (C&D) waste disposal. This move follows growing concerns that the existing 20 collection points are insufficient to handle the increasing waste from ongoing infrastructure and private construction activities. The civic body's Building & Road (B&R) wing has started identifying new sites, with proposals to be submitted to the urban-planning department for final approval. An agency has already been engaged to execute the work, though progress is currently hindered due to delays in site allocation.Read more