In the wake of merging 51 villages with neighboring municipalities in Hyderabad, there has been a notable rise in unauthorized building permits issued by panchayat officials, who continued using the e-Panchayat website despite the merger. The Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority is responsible for permits for structures with three or more floors, but panchayats bypassed established procedures. In response, the municipal administration department has directed residents to use the TG-bPASS (Telangana Building Permission Approval and Self-Certification System) website for all building permits. District panchayat officials have sealed records while awaiting further instructions on the demerger process.Read more

The Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) department in India has suspended online allocation of land to industries since late June 2024, citing 'technical glitches' in the portal. The department is currently revamping the entire system and portal to create a seamless and transparent land allocation process, which is expected to be launched by early 2025. The new portal will have advanced features and verticals for various permissions and approvals. This delay has deferred the expansion and investment plans of numerous industries, leading to industry associations calling for the government to prioritize the launch of the new portal.Read more

To combat encroachments on water bodies, the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Assets Monitoring and Protection Agency (HYDRAA) has requested the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) to stop issuing property assessment numbers for constructions in lake Full Tank Levels (FTL) and buffer zones. HYDRAA Commissioner AV Ranganath emphasized the need to halt property assessments and construction permits in these areas and has also sought the denial of electricity and water connections for illegal structures. Restoration efforts are underway, with model lakes being developed to showcase how clearing obstructions can enhance water flow and storage. This initiative aims to set a precedent for water conservation and sustainable urban planning in Hyderabad.Read more

Recently, MahaRERA provided relief to over 70 homebuyers of the Ruparel Skygreens project in Borivali due to delays in possession. The promoter was directed to refund payments, cancel agreements, and hand over possession with an occupancy certificate, while addressing interest for delays. Some complaints were dismissed due to lack of evidence. MahaRERA also lifted a restraining order on Piramal Capital & Housing Finance Limited, emphasising adherence to the tripartite agreement. Complaints included significant loan disbursements by the finance company and delays in project work, particularly on C wing.Read more

The Department of Town and Country Planning recently sealed a building in Palam Vihar's C-2 Block after the owner illegally de-sealed it. The property, previously sealed for unauthorized construction, is part of ongoing enforcement actions amid a high court case addressing violations of the Haryana Building Code. The court has demanded responses from relevant authorities, highlighting concerns from the local Resident Welfare Association regarding illegal constructions in the area.Read more

The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has extended the deadline for revised guidelines on paying guest (PG) accommodations to September 21, offering relief to PG owners. The guidelines, which require 70 square feet per person and 90-day CCTV footage retention, face opposition from the PG Owners' Welfare Development Association, which seeks more lenient regulations. BBMP officials are considering the association's concerns, and a meeting is planned to finalize the guidelines and the future of PG facilities in the city.Read more

Due to "delay and laches," the Bombay High Court in 2018 dismissed builders' compensation claims against the BMC for land turned over for public use. This ruling was reversed by the Supreme Court because it was deemed unfair. The BMC was instructed by Justices B.V. Nagarathna and N.K. Singh to promptly furnish more buildable area and Transferable Development Rights (TDR), valued at approximately INR 500 crore. Despite the BMC's appeals, the Supreme Court maintained the High Court's previous decision mandating compensation. The court decided that under Article 300-A, previous statutes that guaranteed just compensation could not be superseded by modifications that denied compensation.Read more

The Bombay High Court ordered the demolition of seven illegal floors of an eight-storey building in Khar, rejecting a plea for regularisation. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) was instructed to complete the demolition within three months, based on its 2018 notice. The court found that the commencement certificate issued in 1994 only allowed construction of the basement and first floor, but additional floors were built unlawfully. A fine of INR 50,000 was imposed on the petitioner for misleading the court. The HC referenced previous rulings against regularising illegal constructions, emphasising strict adherence to building regulations and minimal leniency.Read more

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis recently unveiled a housing project to build 12,000 homes for dabbawalas and cobblers under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) over the next three years. The initiative, overseen by the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA), will be supported by a memorandum of understanding with developers. Priyanka Homes Realty will provide a 30-acre plot, and Naman Builders will develop the project on a no-profit-no-loss basis. Each 500 sq ft home will be priced at INR 25 lakh, making homeownership more accessible for these communities and improving their living conditions.Read more

In a recent LDA board meeting led by Lucknow Commissioner Roshan Jacob, it was decided that safety audits would be mandatory for all buildings over 15 metres tall, following a deadly building collapse. Costs for the audits will be covered by building owners or Residents Welfare Associations (RWAs). A private firm will handle the audits, which are due to be completed by October. The LDA also approved high-rise developments in Transit-Oriented Development zones with higher Floor Area Ratios (FAR). Other updates included transferring management of the Ambedkar Auditorium, creating new sub-centres in Gomtinagar, and revising land acquisition plans for the Wellness City project.Read more