The Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB) imposed fines totaling INR 20 lakh on two construction companies for breaching environmental rules. ISGEC Heavy Engineering Ltd and Express Infraway were found storing construction materials and loose soil without green net coverage or water sprinklers, causing dust pollution. The action follows National Green Tribunal directives, with the UPPCB verifying sites after complaints. These penalties highlight stricter enforcement of green norms, reminding construction firms to comply with environmental guidelines and reduce air pollution in urban areas.Read more

To improve affordable housing availability, the Haryana government has introduced a new housing policy mandating that private developers in licensed residential colonies reserve 20% of plots and 15% of flats for economically weaker sections (EWS). The rule covers both plotted and group-housing projects approved under the state's town and country planning framework. EWS plots will range from 50 sq m to 125 sq m, priced at INR 600 per sq m, while flats between 200 sq ft and 400 sq ft will be priced up to INR 1.5 lakh. The Housing for All department will now oversee allotments digitally, with a mandatory five-year lock-in to prevent early transfers.Read more

The Supreme Court has issued a notice to the CBI seeking its response to the bail application filed by Kapil Wadhawan, former promoter of Dewan Housing Finance Corporation Ltd (DHFL), accused in an alleged INR 34,926 crore bank fraud case. The Delhi High Court had earlier denied bail, citing his conduct during custody and the seriousness of charges. The agency claims Wadhawan orchestrated one of India's biggest financial frauds involving diversion of funds from 17 banks using shell companies and fake housing loan accounts.Read more

The Delhi Development Authority's (DDA) premium housing project in East Delhi, offering 1,026 flats under its TOD policy, introduces a clause that prohibits successful bidders from raising complaints regarding flat design, quality of material, workmanship or defects. The base price starts at INR 1.78 crore, and the auction will require 75% payment up front with the remainder payable on possession, slated for July 2026. The reserve price for flats ranges up to INR 3.09 crore and plinth areas vary from 142 sqm to 250 sqm. The scheme also sits within a 30-hectare mixed-use development that will include the tallest residential building in Delhi at 155 metres.Read more

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has instructed its field offices to ensure that information about the Local Monthly Pass and Annual Pass is clearly displayed at all toll plazas. The move aims to improve user awareness and transparency. Details will be provided in English, Hindi and the local language through signage at visible locations. The information will also be available on the Rajmargyatra app and NHAI's websites. The Local Monthly Pass is for residents near toll plazas, while the Annual Pass applies to private vehicles nationwide.Read more

The Madhya Pradesh government, in collaboration with NITI Aayog, has introduced the Growth Hub initiative to formulate a long-term economic development strategy for the Indore and Bhopal regions. The plan aims to strengthen local economies, curb unplanned urban expansion, and create a framework for sustainable growth. The initiative's first phase will focus on preparing detailed economic profiles, priority project lists, and implementation roadmaps for key districts under both economic regions.Read more

Authorities from the Uttar Pradesh Housing Development Board (UPHDB) carried out a major demolition drive in Meerut's Shastri Nagar, bringing down an illegal commercial complex built on a residential plot. The action followed a Supreme Court directive stressing strict enforcement of zoning laws and action against unauthorised constructions. The operation, completed in five hours under police protection, proceeded peacefully. The court, led by Justices J.B. Pardiwala and R. Mahadevan, had ruled that such violations cannot be legitimised by time or investment and warned of disciplinary action against complicit officials. The demolition marks a firm stance on land-use enforcement and signals Uttar Pradesh's push for planned, lawful urban development.Read more

The 34-day protest in Jaisalmer demanding registration of Oran and Gochar lands came to an amicable end after detailed discussions between local representatives and the district administration. Officials agreed to formally record nearly 100,000 bighas of land, including around 17,562 bighas designated as Oran. The resolution also included a commitment to conduct extensive surveys of water bodies, heritage sites, and lands marked for industrial purposes, ensuring coordination with gram panchayats and state-level monitoring.Read more

The Rajasthan Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA) has extended the deadline for submitting quarterly progress reports (QPRs) for July-September 2025 to 30 November, instead of 31 October, without any penalty or delay charges. The decision follows technical issues reported on the upgraded RERA 2.0 online portal, which replaced the older system. Officials stated that the extension allows time to stabilise the new platform and ease compliance for developers. Under RERA rules, promoters must submit detailed online updates on project progress and finances. The move aims to reduce developer hardship, maintain transparency for homebuyers, and ensure a smooth digital transition in regulatory reporting.Read more

The Forum for People's Collective Efforts (FPCE) has urged the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs to amend the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016 (RERA), calling for measures to assess developers' past records before granting new project approvals. The association also sought provisions ensuring compensation for buyers if promised amenities are not delivered and demanded uniform refund rules for cancellations. FPCE's president Abhay Upadhyay stressed the need for stronger oversight and stricter enforcement to protect homebuyers from unscrupulous builders.Read more