During the Rahsta Expo held recently at the Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai, Dr Sanjay Mukherjee, IAS, Metropolitan Commissioner of MMRDA, emphasised that roads are not merely infrastructure assets but the foundation of economic expansion. He discussed how integrated transport networks, strategic mega projects, and stakeholder efficiency would collectively drive the Mumbai Metropolitan Region's (MMR) evolution into a global urban centre and contribute to the goal of achieving a USD 1 trillion economy by 2047.Read more

In a significant move to enhance coordination between Mumbai's municipal administration and the real estate industry, leading associations including CREDAI-MCHI, NAREDCO, BDA, and PEATA held an extensive meeting with Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani. The discussion focused on addressing procedural hurdles and policy reforms, resulting in the announcement of a Real Estate Steering Committee to ensure regular engagement, faster decision-making, and transparent governance to bolster the city's development ecosystem.Read more

The Karnataka government has launched a large-scale e-Khata regularisation drive under the e-Swathu initiative, covering 6.5 lakh properties across Bengaluru's urban, rural, and south districts. The drive aims to digitise property records, formalise ownership, and facilitate transactions, including registration and bank loans. With over 1.5 crore property records in the state, the initiative seeks to expand the property tax base, enhance market confidence, and boost liquidity in peri-urban areas. It builds on earlier measures, including issuing B-Khatas for unauthorised rural properties.Read more

The Karnataka government has issued detailed rules for approving layout developments on converted land that falls within gram panchayat limits but lies outside designated planning areas. The new norms make it mandatory for developers to secure layout design approvals from competent planning authorities before a new Property Identification (PID) number can be generated. The regulations also require free transfer of land for civic amenities to gram panchayats and ensure all development works adhere strictly to approved plans, estimates, and departmental certifications.Read more

The Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) has lowered the threshold for mandatory sewage treatment plants (STPs) in residential complexes from 50 flats to 24 flats. This follows a scientific study of wastewater generation, highlighting that complexes with 24 or more units produce significant waste. Builders are required to maintain STPs for three years or until handover to the housing society. The move addresses frequent complaints about non-operational STPs and untreated effluent discharge, aiming to protect public health and prevent environmental pollution in Goa.Read more

The Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court recently ruled that courts cannot compel banks to modify loan agreements or grant one-time settlement (OTS) benefits to borrowers or guarantors. The verdict came after a plea challenging Indian Bank's refusal to extend OTS benefits on a INR 62 crore loan sanctioned in 2011. The court held that granting OTS benefits falls within a bank's commercial judgment and cannot be enforced through judicial intervention. It further stated that borrowers and guarantors are bound by the contracts they willingly entered into.Read more

The Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) is creating detailed ward-level climate action plans to address local environmental issues and support the city's goal of net-zero emissions by 2050. The Climate Action Cell (CAC) is leading the initiative, selecting ten wards across the city's five municipal corporations to develop tailored interventions. Each ward will have a specific plan identifying key challenges, mitigation steps, and prioritized actions. Environmental experts have welcomed the effort but stressed focusing on high-impact measures such as low-emission zones, bus priority lanes, and mapping the city's green-blue cover to strengthen Bengaluru's climate resilience.Read more

The Odisha Real Estate Regulatory Authority (ORERA) has initiated the process of hiring a land expert to support resolution of complex property-related disputes. The authority is inviting applications from retired officers of the Odisha Administrative Service who have at least eight years' service as a tehsildar, sub-collector or land acquisition officer and are under 62 years of age. This step follows the rollout of a new standard operating procedure (SOP) for part-plot registration meant to bring clarity in land subdividing cases across rural, agricultural and urban areas.Read more

The Bombay High Court has issued an interim order preventing the unauthorized division of a 620-square-foot flat into two separate units in a suburban housing society. The court observed that the structural changes were made without approvals, and the issuance of separate share certificates lacked legal authority. The society had highlighted misuse of office by the flat occupants, who were society office bearers. The ruling safeguards the rights of other members until the next hearing, emphasizing adherence to legal procedures and proper approvals in housing society matters.Read more

The Ulhasnagar Municipal Corporation (UMC) has called on residents to carefully verify the legality of buildings before purchasing flats or shops. The civic body highlighted that many developers construct properties without proper permissions, leading to potential financial and legal issues for buyers. Past efforts to tackle unauthorized constructions included demolition orders and partial regularizations. The UMC emphasized that it will not be responsible for losses if unauthorized structures face demolition, urging buyers to check approvals, occupancy certificates, and municipal records to avoid risks.Read more