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During its recent 'Pradhikaran Diwas,' the Lucknow Development Authority (LDA) received 41 applications concerning mutation, property transfers, and illegal constructions. Among these, 13 cases were resolved immediately, highlighting LDA's commitment to swift grievance redressal. A significant complaint by Sanjay Kesarwani, a Rakabganj resident, alleged illegal encroachment on his allocated plot in Ramnagar under the Aishbagh Yojana. In response, LDA Vice Chairman Prathemesh Kumar directed officials to inspect the site and submit a report within a week. The initiative reinforces LDA's dedication to resolving disputes and protecting citizens' property rights through transparency and accountability in urban governance.Read more
In response to criticism over delays in building permission approvals, the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) has set a deadline for officers to clear applications within 10 days. A special drive has been launched to reduce pending applications older than 30 days, with positive results already observed. From June to October, HMDA received 1,884 applications, marking a 396 increase compared to the previous year. The disposal of applications has also risen by 14%, showcasing improved efficiency. HMDA Metropolitan Commissioner Sarfaraz Ahmad expressed confidence that these measures would continue to improve the approval process and address concerns from developers and builders.Read more
The Calcutta High Court granted an interim stay on the demolition of alleged illegal constructions in Mandarmoni, West Bengal, following a petition from the Mandarmoni Hoteliers' Association. The petitioners contested a demolition notice issued by the West Bengal Coastal Zone Management Authority (WBCZMA), arguing that the absence of a published Coastal Regulatory Zone (CRZ) made the demolition order legally invalid. Justice Amrita Sinha suspended the enforcement of the notice until December 13, pending further review. The court directed respondents to submit reports by December 4, with petitioners allowed to reply by the next hearing on December 10.Read more
The Telangana Waqf Board is facing significant challenges, with over 75% of its properties encroached upon and more than 3,500 legal cases underway to reclaim approximately 55,000 acres of land worth billions of rupees. The board claims ownership of over 77,000 acres across the state, but only 22,000 acres are free from litigation. Contributing factors include outdated land records by the revenue department, occupation by squatters, and delays in issuing necessary gazette notifications. As the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024 looms, Waqf officials worry about the potential requirement to prove land ownership, complicating their reclamation efforts.Read more
The impending merger of the Secunderabad Cantonment with the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) is expected to include specific stipulations. A recent communication from the Directorate General of Defence Estates (DGDE) mandates that construction on 'old grant' lands will still require prior approval from defence authorities. While municipal laws will govern the civil area, the DGDE clarified that any defence land subject to old grant terms will remain under military oversight. Local residents assert their ownership rights over these properties, pointing to historical documents from the Nizam era that support their claims.Read more
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The Karnataka High Court has clarified that banks can sell mortgaged property in case of loan defaults, even if the state has granted land with non-alienation clauses. The court annulled a July 2023 endorsement preventing South Canara District Central Cooperative Bank Ltd. from enforcing its mortgage on land allotted under the Ashraya Yojana. While the state can penalize beneficiaries who misuse grants, it cannot hinder banks from reclaiming defaulted loans, thereby supporting housing initiatives for the economically disadvantaged.Read more
The Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) has intensified efforts to reclaim encroached government land, recovering 150 bighas, including 121 bighas in Garden Reach. Targeted areas include EM Bypass zones such as Paschim Chowbagha, Nayabad mouza, and Nonadanga. To combat encroachment on East Kolkata Wetlands (EKW), KMC and the state land department are collaborating under a chief secretary-led committee. The Kolkata Metropolitan Development Authority (KMDA) has also demolished illegal constructions and lodged 45 FIRs. The reclaimed land will support urban planning, addressing the growing demand for housing and commercial facilities while ensuring sustainable development and deterring future encroachments.Read more
The Telangana RERA has fined Sterling Homes INR 17.9 lakh for failing to complete the Sterling Orchids residential project in Mallampet on time. Originally slated for completion in July 2023, the project faces allegations of construction delays, plan deviations, and lack of transparency from homebuyers. RERA has directed Sterling Homes to finish all pending work, including promised amenities, within 90 days and compensate buyers with 10.95% annual interest on payments made. Both buyers and the developer must fulfil their obligations to ensure the project's timely completion.Read more
The E-Aasthi system, launched in March 2023 to prevent fraud in property transactions, has faced severe criticism due to delays and allegations of corruption. Citizens in Hubballi reported waiting 8-9 months for certificates, lost files, and demands for bribes from officials, causing financial strain and disruption to personal plans. HDMC commissioner attributed the delays to technical challenges with integrating E-Aasthi and Kaveri software, leading to high rejection rates for applications. Assurances have been made to streamline the process, aiming to reduce waiting times to 2-3 days within a week. However, citizens remain skeptical about whether these measures will resolve the persistent issues effectively.Read more
The Uttar Pradesh government has signed a MoA with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) to launch the second phase of the Prime Minister Awas Yojana (Urban) (PMAY-U 2.0). This phase aims to build 1 crore permanent homes for urban families, addressing the growing housing demand, especially for economically disadvantaged groups. Kuldip Narayan, Joint Secretary of the 'Housing for All' program, highlighted the success of PMAY-U 1.0, which built 90 lakh homes. Amrit Abhijat, Principal Secretary of Uttar Pradesh's Urban Development Department, emphasized the scheme's focus on marginalized groups and its goal of fostering inclusive growth and improved living conditions.Read more
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