The Madhya Pradesh High Court has issued notices to retired IAS officers, a businessman, and builders over alleged illegal constructions in Bhopal's 'Whispering Palms' society near the Kaliyasot Dam. Petitioners highlighted that residents exceeded the permissible construction limit of low-density zones by over 50%, violating the Bhopal Master Plan-2005. The court has directed authorities to investigate and take action, emphasizing the importance of protecting ecologically sensitive areas and adhering to urban planning norms. Further hearings are scheduled to review compliance and measures for mitigation.Read more

The Bombay High Court has directed municipal corporations and state authorities to pay compensation for deaths and injuries caused by potholes and open manholes, highlighting citizens' right to safe roads. The court criticized authorities for repeated negligence and emphasized that compensation must be disbursed promptly, with strict accountability for officers and contractors responsible. Committees are to be formed to assess claims and monitor compliance. Compensation ranges from INR 50,000 to INR 6 lakh, with funds recoverable from contractors or, if unavailable, borne by the concerned authorities.Read more

Goa is set to undertake its first major land survey in more than five decades to update outdated records and identify unclaimed or vacant plots. The initiative will initially focus on urban areas, using modern geospatial technology to ensure accurate data collection. Survey officers, assisted by staff from various departments, will compile records in a central digital system, with drafts released for public feedback. The survey will facilitate better land governance, streamline property rights, and support urban planning and development initiatives across the state.Read more

Indian Railways unveiled a sweeping revamp of its maintenance regime for locomotive sheds by rolling out long-term contracts and an inspection-maintenance-confirmation (IMC) framework. The move responds to a substantial rise in the induction of wagons, coaches and locomotives, and aims to bolster efficiency, accountability and infrastructure capacity. With freight loading expected to escalate significantly, the new system is designed to relieve strain on existing maintenance facilities and align practices with international norms.Read more

The Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) Undertaking has moved to redevelop its Santacruz bus depot and staff quarters by inviting applications to appoint a consultant for obtaining a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Airports Authority of India (AAI). The site, spanning over 13,000 sqm, lies within the Juhu airport funnel zone, where building heights are strictly regulated. Citizen groups have expressed concerns that redevelopment could reduce bus parking space and signal privatization, referencing earlier depot handovers at Mahim and Kurla. BEST maintains that the project will comply with all regulatory procedures.Read more

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Shri Yogi Adityanath has announced a comprehensive urban redevelopment policy aimed at revitalizing the state's cities. The policy focuses on transforming outdated structures and underutilized areas into modern urban spaces equipped with essential infrastructure and public amenities. Emphasizing a balance between development and environmental sustainability, the initiative seeks to integrate private sector participation through clear guidelines and incentives. The approach prioritizes public interest, ensuring that redevelopment efforts do not adversely affect the livelihoods of affected families.Read more

The Punjab government has launched an infrastructure mission worth INR 232 crore targeting 26 key industrial hubs to improve roads, sewerage, water supply, street lighting, and civic amenities. The Punjab Small Industries and Export Corporation (PSIEC) is investing INR 97.54 crore, while the Department of Local Government is managing INR 134.44 crore for seven industrial zones in Ludhiana and Khanna. The initiative follows extensive consultations with industry bodies and local administrations to address critical infrastructure gaps, aiming to enhance operational efficiency and attract investments across the state.Read more

The Bombay High Court has issued notices to Goa's Town and Country Planning Department over recent amendments to the Goa Land Development and Building Construction Regulations, 2010. These amendments allow the government to approve relaxations in height and floor area ratio (FAR) for individual plots, bypassing prior public scrutiny. The Goa Foundation and residents from Margao, Panaji, Chimbel, and Pernem have challenged more than 739 such relaxations, highlighting concerns over environmental, social, and planning impacts. The court has directed replies from authorities and scheduled the next hearing for mid-November.Read more

Authorities in Bahiyal village, Gandhinagar district, demolished 178 out of 186 illegal commercial properties earlier this week, temporarily sparing eight structures pending High Court decisions. The large-scale operation involved around 800 personnel from the Gandhinagar civic administration, district police, and the state Roads and Buildings Department. Officials clarified that the demolition was unrelated to the communal clashes that occurred during Navratri last month, which had involved property damage and arrests. The drive targeted encroachments on the Right of Way along two main roads and was part of an ongoing plan to regulate illegal constructions.Read more

The South Goa District Administration appealed to people to notify municipal or block development offices about visibly deteriorating or structurally weak buildings to prevent risk to life and property. The collector stressed that owners bear primary responsibility for maintenance and warned against inhabiting such premises. In emergencies, residents were directed to contact the Collectorate's control room. The move underscores growing concern over building safety in the region and aims to promote proactive citizen vigilance.Read more