The Tamil Nadu Electricity Ombudsman has ruled that owning two flats connected by an internal passage does not justify having separate electricity service connections, even if separate property taxes and maintenance charges are paid. The decision was made in response to Mylapore resident S. Manimekalai's petition after Tangedco flagged the issue, citing a breach of the Tamil Nadu Electricity Regulatory Commission (TNERC) code. The Ombudsman upheld the CGRF's rejection of her appeal, stating that separate connections require permanent physical separation between flats. This ruling reinforces compliance with TNERC regulations, urging residents to adhere to standards to avoid penalties.Read more

The TCP department of Goa has approved seven zoning change proposals, including the conversion of orchard land for various development projects. Inorbit Malls India has received approval for converting 23,497 sqm of orchard and natural cover land for a new mall in the state, subject to forest department clearance and preservation of a heritage trail. One of the larger approvals, involving 1,68,800 sqm of land in Pernem, has raised concerns, as it will be changed from orchard land to settlement, allowing for private residential projects.Read more

Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has flagged over 1,500 buildings constructed in violation of approved plans following a survey started on October 28. Notices are being issued to property owners to demolish these unauthorized structures. BBMP officials clarified that adhering to the Karnataka Town and Country Planning Act could take 3 to 4 months to complete the demolition process. The civic body follows a step-by-step procedure, with owners being given time to comply. Senior officials highlighted the need for a mahazar in the owner's presence before demolition, though BBMP can act quickly in dangerous situations. Unauthorized schools, hospitals, and residences make up most of the identified buildings.Read more

A recent inspection by the groundwater department revealed that 140 out of 164 residential societies in Noida and Greater Noida had non-functional rainwater harvesting systems, with 10 lacking the systems entirely. Only 14 societies were found to have operational systems. The Noida Authority, after meeting with the groundwater department, decided to issue notices to all societies, providing them with 15 days to comply. A joint inspection will follow, and non-compliance will result in enforcement actions.Read more

The Department of Town and Country Planning (DTCP) has issued a formal reminder to various departments, urging immediate action against unauthorised buildings in Palam Vihar's C-2 Block. The illegal construction of 16 flats per plot on 11 sites has led to overcrowding and strain on local services. Despite prior directives to disconnect utilities and halt property registrations, little action has been taken. A petition has been filed in the Punjab and Haryana High Court, which is set to hear the case in December. Local residents and the RWA are calling for stronger enforcement against these violations.Read more

The Madhya Pradesh Industrial Development Corporation (MPIDC) is actively identifying land parcels across the state to establish new industrial zones and clusters. This initiative aims to attract local investors to set up manufacturing facilities. MPIDC is focusing on enhancing infrastructure, with plans to build an effluent treatment plant, improve road connectivity, and ensure a reliable water supply at these zones. The state government is prioritising these developments to create a favourable environment for local industries, particularly in sectors like food processing, fabrication, and chemicals.Read more

Residents of Malabar Hill, supported by activists, are opposing the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation's (BMC) decision to lease a 2,432-square-metre plot near Ramabai Ambedkar Marg for private development. The plot, originally allocated for a public garden, currently hosts a disused BEST substation. Activists argue that converting the land for commercial use violates its green and heritage designation. BMC has issued a tender with a base price of INR 545 crore to fund infrastructure projects. Residents, led by activist Zoru Bathena, have submitted a letter urging BMC to restore the garden, emphasising the area's environmental and heritage significance over commercial interests.Read more

The Telangana government plans to merge 24 municipalities within the Outer Ring Road (ORR) into the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) in January 2025 as part of its effort to establish the Greater City Corporation (GCC). This merger will expand GHMC's jurisdiction from 650 square kilometres to 1,800-2,000 square kilometres. To balance infrastructure and revenue resources, officials propose creating three separate corporations, each covering 600-650 square kilometres. The integration aims to avoid jurisdictional issues and ensure financial viability by combining developed and underdeveloped areas. With a study underway to evaluate infrastructure, the GCC formation is expected to conclude by December 2025.Read more

The Haryana government, under Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, is finalizing a scheme to provide 100 square yard plots to low-income individuals in rural areas, helping them build homes. Through the Mukhyamantri Gramin Awas Yojna, two lakh beneficiaries will soon receive plots, with 500,000 applications already submitted. Essential amenities like roads, electricity, water, and parks will accompany the plots. Financial aid for construction will be available via the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Rural). Additionally, 6,618 flats for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) will be allocated in the first phase of a related urban housing initiative. This scheme aims to uplift rural families by ensuring safe, dignified housing and improved living standards.Read more

The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI) proposed a set of reforms aimed at improving the insolvency resolution process for real estate companies. Key proposals include the inclusion of land authorities in the Committee of Creditors (CoC), enhanced transparency through secure online access to CoC meeting minutes, and improvements to the possession handover process for homebuyers. The IBBI also addressed issues such as cancelled land allotments and creditor representation, with the aim of making the insolvency process more efficient, transparent, and inclusive. Stakeholders have been invited to submit feedback on the proposed reforms by the end of November.Read more