The Odisha government has introduced new guidelines for converting residential leasehold properties to freehold status. Owners with approved or slightly altered building plans will now pay a 3% fee on the property's benchmark market value (BMV) for full rights. Properties with major plan deviations must first be regularised and receive compliance certification from BMC or BDA. The move aims to simplify the process and ensure clarity in urban governance. Additional reforms include easier plot subdivisions for families, relaxed fire safety norms for older buildings, and more transparent land allotments. These steps are expected to enhance legal property ownership and boost urban planning standards.Read more

West Bengal has launched a major initiative to improve fire safety in restaurants and commercial establishments, with a focus on rooftop venues. Led by Mayor Firhad Hakim and a dedicated task force, the state is drafting a new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) that will soon seek formal approval. A key decision is the ban on selling rooftop spaces for general commercial use, a step aimed at reducing fire risks. All commercial and office buildings will now require third-party fire audits, especially those flagged as vulnerable in Kolkata. Additionally, disaster management teams will receive enhanced training for fire-related emergencies, strengthening urban safety preparedness.Read more

Frustrated homebuyers from the stalled Amrapali housing projects staged a protest last weekend against NBCC, the government-backed firm assigned by the Supreme Court to complete the unfinished developments. The protestors allege that their allotted flats were unjustly withdrawn over delayed payments and then handed over to private developers at discounted rates-without due process or a chance to explain their circumstances. Feeling betrayed, the buyers are now urging the Supreme Court to investigate these claims, reigniting concerns around fairness and transparency in one of India's most high-profile stalled housing crises. A detailed hearing is expected soon.Read more

Major Indian cities are facing growing aviation safety risks due to a surge in illegal high-rises that breach height regulations near airports. In Kolkata, over 50 such buildings have been flagged for endangering aircraft during take-offs and landings. Similar concerns plague Nagpur, where 60 non-compliant structures await action despite 500 notices issued as far back as 2017. The situation is even more alarming in Lucknow, where an AAI survey identified over 600 buildings violating height norms within a 10-km radius. These widespread breaches expose gaps in real-time NOC verification, poor coordination between civic bodies and airport authorities, and weak regulatory enforcement.Read more

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), in partnership with the RBI and select banks, has launched a pilot project to digitally verify customer consent for commercial messages and calls. Aimed at tackling rising complaints of spam-often based on vague or offline consents-the initiative introduces a secure digital consent registry managed by Telecom Service Providers. The banking sector, vulnerable to fraud via unsolicited calls, is the focus of this first phase. The project will assess practical, technical, and regulatory factors before scaling to other industries, marking a key step toward safer and more transparent communication practices for consumers.Read more

CREDAI has partnered with Adani Cement to promote sustainable and high-quality construction across India. Announced at its Governing Council meeting, the tie-up designates Adani as the preferred supplier of eco-certified materials and technical services for CREDAI's 13,000+ developer members. Two key initiatives were also launched: the Green India Council, starting with a 9,000-acre reforestation drive in Nashik, and the Skilling Council, focused on training the next-generation construction workforce. Through these steps, CREDAI aims to integrate environmental care and skill development into real estate practices, signalling a long-term commitment to responsible growth, community upliftment, and better industry standards.Read more

Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) recently demolished two unauthorised properties in Bonkode village, Koparkhairane, under orders from Municipal Commissioner Dr Kailas Shinde. The action, led by senior officials and executed by the encroachment team, targeted homes belonging to Nishant and Sushant Naik, both cited under Section 54 of the Maharashtra Regional and Town Planning Act. After failing to comply with earlier notices, the owners were fined INR 20,000 each. A full demolition squad used hammers, cutters, and municipal support staff to dismantle the structures. NMMC confirmed more such operations will follow to enforce urban planning norms and deter illegal construction.Read more

The Uttar Pradesh government has unveiled plans to develop Kanpur into a major electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing hub, backed by an investment of INR 700 crore. Under the Kanpur Metropolitan Development Vision- 2030, a 500-acre high-tech EV park will be set up near Bhimsen by UPSIDA via a Public-Private Partnership model. The park will house production units for motors, chassis, lithium-ion cells, and EV components, along with a dedicated R&D centre. Positioned along the dedicated freight corridor, the site offers strong logistics advantages. A complementary EV components cluster will support SMEs, driving innovation, job creation, and strengthening India's EV supply chain.Read more

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has shifted its Andhra Pradesh Regional Office operations from Hyderabad to Vijayawada, signalling a stronger institutional presence within the state. The new office was inaugurated by Deputy Governor T Rabi Sankar, and will house key departments such as Integrated Banking, Financial Inclusion, Foreign Exchange, and Supervision. Several administrative and support units will also operate from the new location. However, the Hyderabad office will continue handling currency management for the state. Attah Omar Basheer has been appointed as the Regional Director to lead the Vijayawada office.Read more

The Noida Authority's board has approved a co-developer proposal for completing three of Supertech Limited's stalled housing schemes in Noida and Greater Noida. This arrangement allows Apex to invest INR 500 crore upfront and fund the remaining work, ensuring dues to the Authority are settled and flats are handed over to homebuyers. The move is contingent on Apex paying 25% of the outstanding land cost. Banks have already blessed the plan, and the Supreme Court is scheduled to review it in August. Homebuyers remain hopeful but stress no further delays or cost escalations.Read more