Nearly 60% of stalled projects under the three industrial authorities in Uttar Pradesh have sought assistance from the state government's rehabilitation package, aiming to unlock the registration of over 63,000 flats within a year. As of August 2024, 93 out of 161 projects have utilized the package, contributing INR 953 crore, with an expected INR 2,250 crore to be collected. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath urged strict action against non-compliant developers, including land allotment cancellations and sealing unused flats. In Noida, 22 of 57 stalled projects opted for the package, raising INR 304.35 crore. Greater Noida and YEIDA projects have also joined, facilitating flat registrations. NAREDCO is advocating for extended relief measures due to industry challenges, including Covid-19 and environmental restrictions.Read more
Earlier this month, Australia's REA Group, largely owned by News Corp, announced it is considering acquiring UK-based property portal Rightmove. This potential deal has boosted Rightmove's shares by 24%, reaching their highest value since March 2022, and positioned the company as the top gainer on the FTSE 100 index. Rightmove, valued at GBP 4.36 billion, generates most of its revenue from property listings and advertising. Analysts view the deal as a strong investment opportunity amid easing UK interest rates. REA, which has until September 30 to formalize an offer, could create a global real estate powerhouse. Despite REA's stock falling 5.3%, Rightmove remains profitable, supported by its thriving lettings business.Read more
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar announced the expansion of a new online building plan approval system across Bengaluru, simplifying the process for sites up to 4,000 square feet. The 'Nambike Nakshe' scheme, initially piloted in two zones, allows provisional approvals by architects or engineers, with final approval online. Shivakumar outlined plans for the repairing of damaged roads and praised BBMP efforts in flood prevention and addressed contractor protests over payments, emphasising that the government will assist within legal limits while discouraging pressure tactics. Awareness campaigns for cleanliness are also being implemented.Read more
The Sports City project in Noida, Sector 150, was halted in 2021 after a Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) audit highlighted several issues with the land allotment process. The concerns raised by the CAG led to the suspension of the project, which has remained on hold since then. According to officials, the Noida Authority is now reviewing the project and considering its future progress. The Noida Authority plans to discuss it in an upcoming board meeting, where a final decision may be made on whether to lift the ban and resume work on the Sports City development project.Read more
The Commissioner of Raipur Municipal Corporation, Abinash Mishra, has expressed frustration with delays in the construction of three key Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) and has directed the contracted agency to expedite the work. With trials scheduled for November and operations set to begin in December, Mishra has emphasised the urgency of these projects. He also instructed officials to closely monitor other critical developments, including the 24x7 water supply and market projects, ensuring they meet deadlines while maintaining quality and public convenience. The review meeting was attended by key officials overseeing these projects.Read more
The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) has launched its Housing Scheme 2024, with a dedicated help desk set up at its head office, Vikas Sadan, to assist prospective flat buyers. This help desk, operating on weekdays from 10 am to 6 pm, will provide guidance on scheme details, eligibility, flat specifications, pricing, amenities, and registration processes. Following instructions from Delhi Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena, the DDA aims to offer a smooth and customer-friendly experience. The new housing schemes are available at various locations, including Narela, Dwarka, Siraspur, Ramgarh, Rohini, Loknayakpuram, and Jasola.Read more
The Allahabad High Court has directed the Noida Authority to maintain the status quo regarding a demolition notice in Wajidpur village until the petitioners' objections are resolved. The petitioners argue that the land was previously declared as abadi land and that the new notice could lead to eviction and demolition without considering their concerns. The court has instructed the Authority to address these objections within six weeks while ensuring all stakeholders are heard. This decision highlights ongoing conflicts over land use and authority jurisdiction in Noida's urban development efforts.Read more
The Noida Authority is considering reaching out to the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) regarding developers who have not utilised the UP-government's rehabilitation package for stalled residential projects. Of 57 defaulting projects, 22 have accepted the package, which provides a two-year zero-period relief from April 2020 to March 2022. The remaining 29 developers, owing about INR 6,900 crore, are ineligible for this relief. Following recent directives from CM Yogi Adityanath, disciplinary actions will be enforced against non-compliant developers. Currently, 28 projects have recalculated dues of INR 1,020 crore, while 29 non-compliant builders face dues of INR 6,900 crore.Read more
AISECT and UNICEF have launched the Passport to Earning (P2E) program in Giridih, Jharkhand, aiming to equip women and youth with job-ready skills in digital literacy, financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and soft skills. The pilot phase successfully trained over 3,000 participants, with 1,800 women receiving targeted training and 162 securing jobs. Building on this success, the program will expand nationwide to reach 80,000 young people. Dr. Siddharth Chaturvedi of AISECT and Mr. Pallav Tiwari of UNICEF highlight the program's impact in promoting economic independence and aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goals for inclusive growth and gender equality.Read more
Despite issuing notices, individuals failed to address unauthorized constructions in Navi Mumbai's Belapur division, prompting the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation's Encroachment Department to take decisive action. Under the directives of Commissioner Dr. Kailas Shinde and guided by Dr. Rahul Gethe, demolition operations were carried out against illegal structures at House No. 842 and House No. 841/4 in Karave Village. The property owners, Mr. Satish Tandel and Mr. Parasnath R. Yadav, had continued construction despite receiving notices under Section 54 of the Maharashtra Regional and Town Planning Act, 1966. Supervised by Assistant Commissioner Shashikant Tandel, the demolition campaign involved officials, staff, and police personnel, recovering INR 50,000/- from the owners. Future anti-encroachment efforts will be intensified.Read more