The Haryana Real Estate Regulatory Authority (H-RERA) has issued 1,190 recovery certificates to reclaim INR 1,043 crore from defaulting builders, but only INR 225 crore has been recovered thus far, affecting 261 cases. A significant INR 800 crore remains unpaid, with many cases involving high-profile builders in Gurgaon who resist compliance with legal orders. Homebuyers are increasingly frustrated, having invested their life savings into stalled projects. Despite over 200 arrest warrants issued, enforcement remains a challenge, with only 20% of cases achieving positive outcomes. H-RERA is committed to taking necessary legal steps for recovery.Read more

The Maharashtra Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA) has issued a new circular clarifying the conditions for real estate projects to be eligible for RERA registration. The circular specifies that projects must exceed 500 square metres and include at least nine apartments to qualify. Smaller projects, with a land area of 500 square metres or fewer or with eight or fewer apartments, are exempt from registration. This clarification aims to streamline the registration process, enhance transparency, and foster a more accessible environment for developers while protecting consumer interestsRead more

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed Haryana's State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA) to investigate illegal construction at Mayfield Garden, following a petition from the Orchid Island Residents' Welfare Association. The NGT noted that SEIAA had recently ordered a halt to construction due to the lack of necessary environmental clearances. Mayfield Garden has faced scrutiny since extensive building activities began on sold plots. An earlier interim NGT order aimed to prevent illegal activities, leading to findings that developers had not obtained required approvals. The tribunal's ruling underscores the need for environmental compliance before construction, ensuring accountability and transparency.Read more

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) recently issued stop-work notices to two construction sites in Vile Parle and JB Nagar, Andheri East, for failing to follow air pollution control guidelines. Following residents' complaints, BMC squads found dust and debris violations, with debris falling onto nearby buildings and inadequate dust coverings at the sites. Under BMC's new air pollution guidelines, construction sites over 70 meters must use 35-foot-high metal enclosures and tarpaulin covers during demolition, along with continuous water sprinkling.Read more

The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) announced the removal of the encumbrance certificate (EC) requirement for e-khata applications, aiming to simplify the process for property owners in Bengaluru. This change eliminates delays and fees, particularly affecting properties registered before 2004. Special Commissioner Munish Moudgil noted that the EC will still be required for property sales and registrations. The BBMP has also made draft e-khatas available online for about 2.2 million properties, facilitating easier access to property records. Despite some technical challenges reported by residents, the initiative has garnered significant public interest, with nearly 500,000 downloads in just 24 days.Read more

The Andhra Pradesh state government is establishing an online grievance redressal cell to improve efficiency in town planning departments across urban civic bodies, responding to builder complaints regarding delays in building plan approvals. Applicants can now submit plans via WhatsApp or email. Minister Dr. P Narayana has criticized ongoing issues, emphasizing the need for timely approvals to combat illegal constructions. The government is also integrating municipal portals for transparency and has set strict deadlines for plan clearance. Builders are now allowed to proceed with construction if their plans are not approved on time, underscoring the importance of construction for economic growth.Read more

The local forest department in Bilaspur has initiated legal action against five construction companies involved in the Kiratpur-Nerchowk four-lane project for improper mud disposal, leading to environmental and water pollution. Since the project's commencement in 2012, complaints have surfaced regarding soil being unsafely dumped on forest land in areas like Gara, Mahla, and Dadnal, causing runoff into local drains and Govind Sagar Lake during monsoon rains. The police are currently investigating the allegations to address the environmental impact and hold the responsible parties accountable.Read more

Residents and members of the Pimpri Chinchwad Cooperative Housing Societies Federation (PCCHSF) have opposed the municipal corporation's proposal to convert 1.55 hectares of land in Tathawade from a public semi-public zone to residential use. They argue that this decision could set a precedent for similar conversions, jeopardizing public amenities. A senior PCMC official noted that citizens have time to raise objections before the proposal is sent to the state government for a final decision. Concerns were also raised about the impact on local education and the lack of elected representatives to voice citizens' needs.Read more

The Bombay High Court recently halted a third attempt by the state and BMC to raise building heights in Marine Drive's heritage precinct to 58m. Churchgate residents challenged the 2023 guidelines through a public interest litigation (PIL), arguing that such changes would result in a disjointed and legally unsustainable skyline. The High Court, citing previous rulings and pending Supreme Court appeals, ruled that similar guidelines should not have been issued. The court directed the suspension of the 2023 guidelines, except for the Vasant Sagar project, and requested responses from the state and BMC.Read more

The Punjab governor, Gulab Chand Kataria, has approved the Punjab Apartment and Property Regulation (Amendment) Act, 2024, which removes the requirement for a no objection certificate (NOC) for land registration in unauthorized colonies. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann hailed this as a significant relief for residents, addressing challenges faced by small plot holders. The amendment allows individuals with properties up to 500 square yards, who have relevant legal documents, to register without an NOC. Previous amendments had inadvertently caused difficulties for these individuals without effectively curbing the rise of unauthorized colonies, which Mann attributed to past government mismanagement.Read more