The National Green Tribunal (NGT) is reviewing the Uttar Pradesh government's plan to cut 33,776 trees for the Kanwar route project from Muradnagar to Purkaji. Initially approved for 112,722 trees, the revised figure followed an investigation by a joint committee formed in August. An interim report revealed that 17,607 trees had already been removed. The NGT has directed the state to confirm compliance with the UP Protection of Trees Act, 1976, and clarify the status of plants and bushes excluded from the count. The Tribunal also demanded an affidavit from the Additional Chief Secretary of Environment to ensure transparency and adherence to legal standards.Read more

The district registrar had instructed registered societies and RWAs in the city to submit their audit returns on time, warning that failure to do so could result in deactivation or cancellation of registration. This was in response to widespread non-compliance with the HRRS Act, 2012, which mandates financial statements, audit reports, and AGM minutes be submitted within six months after the financial year's end. Many societies had failed to meet these requirements, causing internal disputes. The move was welcomed by RWAs, who saw it as a step toward eliminating defunct societies and promoting transparency in governance.Read more

The Rajasthan High Court has directed the state government to respond to a PIL challenging unregulated multi-storey construction in previously inhabited colonies, focusing on a 17,000 sq. m. plot at Old Malviya Nagar in Jaipur. The petitioner, Badal Verma, alleged misuse of government land near Gandhinagar Judges' Residence under the guise of redevelopment, claiming a potential revenue loss of INR 1,400 crore. Plans for six 18-19 floor towers include commercial activities along a prime road valued at INR 73,000 per sq. m. The case highlights concerns over urban redevelopment practices and government accountability, with the court's intervention signaling heightened scrutiny of high-value land use and public resource management.Read more

The UPSIDA board has approved measures to annul residential land allotments in Tronica City if lease deeds are not executed within two years. Additionally, it plans to impose extension fees on allottees who fail to start construction within two years. The extension fees will increase annually and, after five years, will be based on 4% of the prevailing land rate. The Trans-Delhi Signature City, which spans 1,700 acres, has over 5,000 allottees, with some still pending execution of their lease deeds. Failure to meet deadlines will result in automatic cancellation of the allotment.Read more

The Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) received a significant relief from the High Court, which allowed a review petition filed after a 12-year delay and stayed a 2012 order concerning a five-acre property in Kengeri, Bengaluru. The BDA argued that the original petitioner, R Arunachalam, had misrepresented his ownership and concealed the sale of part of the land before filing the petition. The court acknowledged that the BDA's delayed review petition could be excused, given the circumstances. Additionally, the BDA presented evidence of sale deeds from 2004-2006, showing the land's division before the original petition was filed in 2011.Read more

The Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) has introduced new deadlines for 11 departments to issue no-objection certificates (NOCs) to fast-track building approvals. Nine departments must provide their NOCs within 30 days, while three will have 15 days. If a department misses the deadline, the NOC will be automatically granted. Experts believe this move will streamline the approval process, boost residential development, and attract investment to Tamil Nadu. The directive aims to address the city's growing housing demands and promote a more transparent and efficient real estate market.Read more

The Gujarat government is set to implement the central government's Liquid Waste Management Rules, 2024, aimed at addressing wastewater management challenges in residential societies, urban areas, and industries. Residential societies using over 5,000 litres of water daily or exceeding certain pollution thresholds will be classified as bulk users and required to register with the CPCB. Key provisions include extended user responsibility (EUR) for wastewater treatment and reuse, with specific recycling targets for both new and existing societies. Industries, particularly in sectors like textiles, are also required to meet wastewater reuse targets. Stakeholders highlight the need for government support to meet these ambitious goals.Read more

The Haryana government has introduced a senior citizen housing policy to create organized and secure living spaces for the ageing population. Permitted exclusively in residential zones, projects will range from 0.5 to 10 acres and include essential facilities like medical rooms, dining halls, recreation areas, 24-hour ambulance service, and nursing care. Security features include CCTV and trained guards, with power backup mandated for critical areas. Projects must adhere to strict guidelines, including a 12-meter road access and a maximum Floor Area Ratio (FAR) of 225. Monitoring committees and an online grievance portal ensure compliance and transparency. This policy reflects the state's commitment to addressing the needs of senior citizens through modern, secure housing solutions.Read more

MahaRERA has decided to halt its proposed grading system for real estate projects in Maharashtra, citing that the Real Estate Regulatory Act, 2016, does not empower it to implement such a system. Designed to help buyers make informed choices, the grading was to evaluate projects on technical, financial, legal, and project overview parameters, updated biannually. The decision follows opposition from developers and concerns about legal complications. In 2023, the Bombay High Court questioned whether MahaRERA could rate developers to aid buyer decisions. Since 2017, MahaRERA has registered 47,400 projects, completed 15,600, and resolved 17,900 complaints.Read more

The Department of Town and Country Planning (DTCP) has begun issuing occupation certificates (OCs) for stilt plus four floor buildings constructed without approved plans after a year and a half delay. A government order in February 2023 had restricted four-storey buildings without proper permissions, leaving over 100 structures incomplete. In response, the Haryana government introduced a regularization policy in July, allowing buildings to secure OCs with an additional fee. Processing faced delays due to a High Court stay, which was lifted last month, allowing DTCP to resume on a priority basis. This progress has brought relief to property owners awaiting compliance and recognition for their investments.Read more