Jaipur's Urban Development Department has released a draft policy proposing Transit Oriented Development (TOD) zones around transit hubs to encourage mixed-use growth, curb private vehicle dependence, reduce congestion and improve environmental outcomes. The framework designates land within 800 metres of metro, railway and regional stations as TOD zones, with a defined 'Intense Development Area' closer to stations. It lays down rules on road width, land use mix and criteria for landowners contributing land under the scheme, while also seeking public feedback on the proposal.Read more

The West Bengal Urban Development and Municipal Affairs Department has issued a ban on new rooftop constructions atop residential buildings. Existing rooftop establishments in these buildings are required to be discontinued and restored for common use by residents. Commercial rooftop establishments in non-residential buildings may continue operations if they occupy no more than half of the rooftop space, leaving the remainder for emergency refuge. Additionally, buildings with rooftop establishments must ensure two unobstructed access points.Read more

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation for multiple projects worth more than INR 9,000 crore in Mizoram, including the first railway line connecting Aizawl to India's national railway network. The Bairabi-Sairang rail line, covering 51.38 kilometres and built at a cost of about INR 8,070 crore, was the most significant among them. He also launched new train services, key road and bridge projects, educational institutions, an LPG bottling plant, and a sports facility. These developments are expected to enhance connectivity, improve public services, and open economic opportunities across the state.Read more

The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation recently conducted a strict demolition drive against unauthorised construction in the Airoli area after the property owners failed to comply with official notices. Under the guidance of senior officials, the encroachment department removed constructions at two specific plots where building activity had continued despite prior legal directives. A total penalty of INR 50,000 was collected from the property owners. The operation involved dedicated municipal staff, labourers, and police support, signalling the administration's continued focus on curbing unauthorised developments within the city.Read more

Ranchi police have stressed the need for proper tenant verification after recent criminal incidents in the city. Many landlords have not been reporting new tenants to the authorities, even though regulations require it, creating gaps in safety monitoring. Police have directed all stations to collect tenant information and plan awareness campaigns to educate landlords on their responsibilities. This initiative aims to prevent rental properties from being misused for criminal activities and improve safety for residents.Read more

The Haryana government has asked RERA authorities in Gurgaon and Panchkula to fast-track homebuyer grievance redressal and step up monitoring of developers after a review by Chief Secretary Anurag Rastogi. Despite fewer projects compared to many states, Haryana accounts for nearly 10% of India's pending RERA complaints, with most cases linked to Gurgaon. To clear the backlog, RERA has set up a help desk, will launch online tutorials, and establish mediation cells. Deputy commissioners have been tasked with enforcing recovery certificates, supported by RERA. The government has also ordered stricter compliance checks and warned of zero tolerance towards corruption within the system.Read more

The Maharashtra government is preparing a new policy to simplify occupancy certificate (OC) approvals for thousands of buildings in Mumbai and its suburbs. Targeted at projects that have long faced delays due to rule changes, lapses, or disputes, the scheme will allow residents to apply online, with penalties waived if applications are made within six months. Issues such as floor area discrepancies, setbacks, and stalled projects will be addressed, while additional space used will require payment of premiums. Recommendations include protecting open spaces, ensuring parking, and permitting partial OCs where feasible. The move aims to ease legal uncertainty, support housing societies, and bring long-pending buildings into compliance.Read more

The Chandigarh Municipal Corporation has launched a large-scale fire safety audit covering more than 25,000 buildings across the city. This move is designed to tackle the risks posed by substandard firefighting equipment and low preparedness among building occupants. Certified third-party agencies will be empaneled to carry out periodic audits in line with the National Building Code. The program also includes training sessions for building occupants to improve emergency readiness, aiming to ensure safety and compliance in various types of buildings across the city.Read more

Authorities in Panchkula have demolished nearly 100 illegal shops, dhabas, and stalls at Majri Chowk as part of a large anti-encroachment drive led by the Municipal Corporation and Haryana Shahari Vikas Pradhikaran (HSVP). The land, meant for residential use, had never been approved for commercial activity. Officials plan to use the cleared site to rehabilitate families from Gandhi Colony, where many live in slum-like conditions. A survey is underway to identify genuine residents, with around 1,000 structures counted but many found vacant or used for livestock. Eligible families will receive 10-by-10-foot plots, marking a move towards organised housing and improved living standards.Read more

The Odisha government is preparing to roll out a comprehensive urban parking policy to tackle increasing traffic congestion in major cities including Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Berhampur, and Rourkela. A consultative workshop, organized by the Odisha Urban Academy in coordination with the Housing and Urban Development Department, gathered officials, urban planners, transport experts, and civil society representatives to discuss the policy framework. The draft policy focuses on demand-based parking charges, regulation of on- and off-street parking, promotion of sustainable transport options, integration with public transport, and the use of smart technologies for efficient parking management.Read more