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The Andhra Pradesh state government has decided to streamline the process for granting permissions for the construction of buildings and layouts. Starting from December 31, a single-window system will be introduced, eliminating the need to visit multiple departments. The Minister for Municipal Administration and Urban Development (MAUD), P Narayana, highlighted that buildings up to 15 meters in height will no longer require permission for plans. Further developments will include a review of Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) and the completion of the Amruth-2 scheme within two years. The World Bank has agreed to release a loan for capital region projects.Read more
The Odisha government is looking to amend the Odisha Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act of 2016, the Odisha Apartment (Ownership and Management) Act of 2023, and related development authority laws to simplify the process of registering sale deeds for plots and apartments. Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari acknowledged that the current system has caused delays and revenue losses due to difficulties in registration. The state plans to address these issues through necessary legal changes, with experts suggesting a regularisation scheme to smooth the process further.Read more
The High Court of Bombay at Goa has requested replies from the concerned authorities in response to a public interest litigation that challenges development permissions granted by the Town and Country Planning (TCP) Department in a private forest area in Salvador do Mundo. Architect Dean D'Cruz argues that the TCP Department misrepresented the private forest map and manipulated development plans, increasing the settlement area while reducing the forested land. D'Cruz is calling for the cancellation of permissions for residential villas and other constructions, citing the environmental risks, including soil erosion and landslides, posed by hill-cutting, which is prohibited under the TCP Act.Read more
Efforts to rejuvenate Indore's Kanh and Saraswati rivers are underway, involving a drone survey to map encroachments within 30 meters of their highest flood level (HFL). The phased project includes removing structures, constructing sewage treatment plants (STPs), and preparing a Detailed Project Report (DPR) to secure funding under the Namami Gange Programme. Notices were issued to 150 encroachments in Kabutarkhana and Machhi Bazaar, with relocations planned for eligible families to PMYA flats. The project also targets encroachments along six major nullahs spanning 57 km.Read more
The State Pollution Control Board clarified that less-polluting construction activities, such as steel binding and carpentry, are allowed under GRAP stages 3 and 4, with dust control measures in place. This clarification followed a complaint from CREDAI, which highlighted the misinterpretation of CAQM guidelines by local officials, resulting in unnecessary work stoppages. CREDAI emphasized that such tasks, if compliant with dust control measures, should be permitted. UPPCB clarified that only dust-intensive activities like excavation and demolition are banned. CREDAI welcomed the clarification, noting that work had resumed at several construction sites in Noida and Greater Noida.Read more
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The Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) is preparing to implement a new building bylaw designed to enforce strict penalties for violations and support sustainable development. After submitting a draft to the government, it was returned for additional revisions. The updated bylaw will be reviewed at the MCC council meeting on November 28. A dedicated committee has worked on the draft, which includes measures to address construction violations in both residential and commercial buildings, with guidelines for builders. The urban development department has instructed MCC to amend the draft further before resubmitting it for approval.Read more
The Chamoli district administration has authorized repairs for homes in subsidence-affected Jyotirmath (formerly Joshimath) located in green and yellow zones. This move responds to residents' demands to rebuild before winter, though it comes with strict conditions, prohibiting new construction. The decision ends a two-year ban on construction imposed after land subsidence in January 2023. While the town was categorized into red, yellow, and green zones based on risk, the Joshimath Bachao Sangharsh Samiti criticized the order for not allowing construction in safer zones. They expressed disappointment, particularly since compensated residents are still restricted from rebuilding in safer areas.Read more
In Jammu and Kashmir's Samba district, officials have registered nine cases against landlords for failing to submit tenant information to local police for verification. This action follows concerns about potential anti-national elements posing as tenants or domestic workers. The Samba Police conducted this verification initiative, resulting in five cases at the Samba police station and two each at the Ghagwal and Bari Brahmana stations. The district magistrate has mandated compliance, urging residents to report tenant details for timely verification.Read more
The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) demolished a five-storey building in Gachibowli for being constructed without proper permissions. Built on a 50-square-yard plot, the structure posed safety risks after excavation on an adjacent plot damaged its pillars. The neighbouring plot owner failed to meet setback requirements, prompting a police case. GHMC is consulting legal experts to take further action against the building's owner, who had been paying utility bills despite lacking approvals. This incident underscores the challenges of unauthorised constructions in Hyderabad, with authorities pledging stricter enforcement of building norms to ensure safety in the city's rapidly expanding areas.Read more
A Mumbai Sessions Court upheld the conviction of Premal Parekh and Neha Parekh, directors of Brajesh Construction Pvt Ltd, for failing to deposit INR 43.4 lakh in tax deducted at source (TDS) within the stipulated period. The Income Tax Department initiated the case, leading to a magistrate court sentencing the duo to three months of imprisonment and a fine of INR 5,000. The court dismissed their appeal, citing insufficient evidence to justify delays, despite claims of financial difficulties. It emphasized that statutory obligations cannot be excused without substantial proof, reinforcing the necessity of timely compliance with tax regulations to ensure corporate accountability.Read more
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