The Haryana cabinet, led by Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, has approved the "Haryana Municipal Urban Built-Plan Reform Policy, 2023," allowing residential plots in planned schemes to transform into commercial properties. This policy responds to evolving urban development needs and aims to regulate commercial conversions within municipal core areas. Property owners will face various charges, including scrutiny fees, conversion fees, development charges, and composition fees. The policy also includes measures to regularize unauthorized constructions and support dependents of deceased police personnel through appointments under civil service rules.Read more

A Delhi court has ordered an FIR against a builder for allegedly defrauding a buyer, Masud Alam, of Rs 1.3 crore under the pretence of selling a property in Bara Hindu Rao. The property, paid for between August 2019 and July 2021, was later sealed by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi. Accused Mohammad Gulfam Qureshi and Anshul Goel reportedly pressured Alam for payments, despite construction delays. The case highlights the need for vigilance in property transactions.Read more

Delhi's Winter Action Plan, initiated by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, is in full swing to combat air pollution as the city prepares for winter. At its forefront is the Anti Dust Campaign, featuring 591 teams from 13 departments, inspecting construction sites to enforce dust control guidelines. Fines for non-compliance send a stern message to violators. The Green War Room coordinates these efforts, while bio decomposer spraying and anti-smog guns are also used. This campaign, lasting from October 7 to November 7, is crucial for mitigating winter air pollution. Stricter penalties await severe violators, and public participation is encouraged through the Green Delhi App, reflecting a unified effort to create a cleaner, healthier Delhi.Read more

In Navi Mumbai, slum dwellers and Project Affected Persons (PAPs) are resisting the state's Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) scheme. The scheme, aiming to provide proper housing for around 50,000 slum dwellers, faces opposition from PAPs demanding their sold lands back. Slum dwellers, like those in Ramnagar, express concerns about losing homes while PAPs say that they sold their lands for very little compensation. A biometric survey in September triggered political tensions, with Shiv Sena accusing BJP's Ganesh Naik of interference. PAPs formed the Zameen Haq Samiti, holding meetings to raise awareness and planning objections and a potential PIL.Read more

The Maharashtra state government's delay in reclaiming a 6,063-sq-ft plot of land, allocated to the Madhya Pradesh Mitra Charitable trust (MPMCT) in Goregaon, has raised concerns. Despite the state's directive to revoke the allotment due to irregularities and subleasing, neither MHADA has taken action nor regained control of the property housing the Vibgyor High School. The housing department's inquiry in 2022 acknowledged irregularities but no progress has been made. The delay has prompted questions about the government's ability to reclaim the land and resolve the longstanding dispute surrounding the school's premises.Read more

The Bombay High Court is set to determine the future of the iconic Mehta Mahal, a 56-year-old commercial building, as it deliberates over civic guidelines for unsafe structures. A 2021 expert panel report by BMC on the building's structural stability has sparked a legal battle. While BMC permitted repairs based on its technical advisory committee's advice, one of the property owners, Drishti Hospitality, is advocating for demolition. The case not only concerns Mehta Mahal's fate but also raises significant questions about the enforceability of local body guidelines. The next hearing is scheduled for November 2, 2023.Read more

Noida and Greater Noida authorities have come up with alternative options like draw of lots and interviews for industrial plot allotment. This shift follows the recent decision to abandon e-auctions for increased transparency. For Noida's Phase 2 and 3 plots, a draw will be employed, while Phase 1 plots will continue to use e-auctions as the number of plots are less. Applicants must deposit 10% upfront, with options for lump-sum or instalment payments. Plots larger than 4,000 sqm require an interview assessing financial capacity and technical experience. Noida Authority plans to formalize these decisions soon.Read more

The Nashik Metropolitan Regional Development Authority (NMRDA) is taking decisive steps to combat unauthorized constructions and encroachments across a significant region. Under the leadership of Commissioner Satish Kumar Khadke, the NMRDA is formulating a comprehensive strategy focused on revenue generation and self-sustainability. This proactive approach includes the establishment of clearly defined industrial and recreational zones to streamline construction practices and address unauthorized developments. With over 30,000 cases of encroachments, the NMRDA aims to simplify permissions processes, urging property owners to regularize their structures. This initiative reflects the authority's commitment to curbing disorganized development while fostering industrial growth.Read more

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is facing widespread resistance to its proposed open space adoption policy, with nearly 75 objections and suggestions from political parties, activists, and citizens. The policy, which excludes parks and gardens, has drawn criticism for being a rehashed version of old ideas. Concerns arise over the 51 privately controlled plots, with allegations of commercial exploitation, even by politicians. A contentious clause in the policy suggests BMC would compensate 'caretakers' 50% of the cost of constructions on these plots, a move fervently opposed by activists who argue the illogicality of paying for public land. Activists assert BMC's responsibility in preserving essential open spaces for Mumbai's citizens.Read more

The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India has criticized the Tamil Nadu Urban Habitat Development Board (TNUHDB) for severe delays in implementing the Tamil Nadu Affordable Urban Housing and Habitat policy and the Housing for All Plan of Action (HFAPoA). The CAG's report revealed that this delay in housing initiatives left urban poor residents living in unhygienic conditions, as only a fraction of the approved houses were completed. The report also noted that the government's failure to seek approvals for housing beyond March 2022 deprived 6.84 lakh identified houses of intended benefits, and it emphasized the need for accountability and prompt action to address these issues.Read more