In light of Delhi's soaring temperatures and record-breaking power demand, Power Minister Ashish Sood has instructed the city's electricity distribution companies to enhance their infrastructure and improve emergency response mechanisms. During a recent review meeting, Sood urged the replacement of ageing grids, adoption of new technology, and immediate fault-detection systems. He also emphasised the importance of data analytics for operational efficiency. Stressing on sustainable alternatives, he encouraged aggressive promotion of solar power, particularly in areas where conventional meters are impractical, highlighting the urgency due to the city's escalating heatwave and energy consumption.Read more

In a move aimed at strengthening the quality of national highway oversight, NHAI announced a new cap limiting consultancy firms to a maximum of 10 projects per engineer. This restriction, to be implemented after a 60-day window, seeks to address concerns over engineers being stretched thin across multiple sites. With guidelines applicable to both Hybrid Annuity Mode (HAM) and Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) models, NHAI is tightening control over project compliance and site monitoring to maintain execution standards and avoid contractual lapses.Read more

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has seized assets worth INR 33.89 crore from Mumbai-based Sai Group under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. The action stems from an investigation into alleged misuse of funds earmarked for redevelopment projects in D N Nagar, Andheri, Kandivali, and Goregaon. Properties seized include agricultural land, residential flats, shops, and a bungalow in Mumbai and Ahmednagar. Promoters Jayesh and Deep Tanna face charges of cheating, forgery, and criminal breach of trust, with losses to homebuyers estimated at INR 85.75 crore. ED raids across nine locations uncovered shell firms, suspected benami assets, and potential international links. Jayesh Tanna remains in judicial custody. The case echoes past high-profile redevelopment scams like Patra Chawl and Adarsh Society, underscoring systemic issues in Mumbai's real estate sector.Read more

A joint government-industry task force has presented a reform-focused report to the Delhi government to revamp the city's real estate sector. Major proposals include reducing the amalgamation fee for composite commercial projects from 10% to 1% of the circle rate and mandating redevelopment of buildings over 50 years old that fail structural audits. The report also suggests easing area norms for group housing, permitting more members in cooperative societies, and streamlining land use policies. The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) is urged to clarify charges on common areas and fast-track approvals for land amalgamation and layouts. To promote green construction, the task force recommends offering additional ground coverage and FAR incentives for green-certified projects. These reforms aim to simplify regulatory processes, improve transparency, and enhance investor confidence in Delhi's evolving real estate landscape.Read more

The Ghaziabad Development Authority (GDA) has launched 'PAHAL' (Public Access for Housing and Allotment Login), a comprehensive digital platform aimed at simplifying property transactions and enhancing transparency. The portal enables users to pay property dues, verify property details, download allotment letters, apply for mutation, and complete allotment registrations-all online. Automated reminders and real-time updates further improve user convenience. The first allotment under PAHAL-a 165 sq. m commercial plot worth INR 1.3 crore in the Indraprastha Housing Scheme-has already been completed successfully. The platform also includes a slot-booking feature for property registration to reduce wait times and office congestion. With this launch, GDA becomes one of the first authorities in Uttar Pradesh to implement a full-scale digital allotment system, setting a precedent for smart governance in urban property management.Read more

The forest department and Faridabad administration have begun a large-scale demolition drive in the Aravalli hills, targeting illegal structures in Anangpur village. The 15-day operation follows a July 2022 Supreme Court ruling mandating that all Aravalli land under the Punjab Land Preservation Act (PLPA) be treated as forest land. Authorities are dismantling banquet halls, farmhouses, boundary walls, and gates built in violation of the directive. The demolition push comes after the Supreme Court granted a final three-month extension to clear encroachments, citing Haryana's delayed compliance. Environmentalists warn that unchecked construction in the Aravallis has led to deforestation and habitat loss, threatening the region's ecological balance. While efforts are now underway in Faridabad, illegal construction remains widespread in other Haryana areas like Sohna, Raisina, and Gwalpahari, prompting calls for statewide enforcement.Read more

The Odisha government has notified the 'Odisha Development Authorities (Planning and Building Standards) Second Amendment Rules, 2025,' addressing long-standing challenges around part plot registrations. Key changes include exemptions for family-based sub-divisions from layout approvals and a one-time relief allowing sub-division of plots under 500 sq. m without development authority clearance, provided they aren't for commercial use. Agricultural plots are also exempted from layout rules if land use remains unchanged. The amendment simplifies benchmark value calculations by accepting self-attested valuations downloaded from the Inspector General of Revenue's website. For industrial projects outside urban areas, a minimum road width of 6 metres is now mandatory. Commercial development norms have been relaxed, with ground coverage limits removed and setback exemptions granted for plots up to 4,000 sq. m. The changes aim to streamline approvals, promote planned development, and enhance land use efficiency across the state.Read more

The Bihar government has approved a new housing scheme aimed at providing affordable accommodation for around four lakh women employees, including teachers and officials, across the state. The initiative focuses on offering safe, well-located housing near their places of posting. Properties will be leased from private landlords, with district-level committees assessing suitability, safety, and availability of basic amenities. Eligible women must submit a request to the sub-divisional officer (SDO), endorsed by their department head, to avail the scheme. The move aims to address housing challenges faced by female staff, especially in remote areas, and ensure access to secure and comfortable living arrangements. This marks a significant step in supporting Bihar's growing female workforce through practical, welfare-oriented infrastructure.Read more

An auction to sell four flats owned by Newtech Promoters & Developers in Greater Noida's La Galaxia project failed to attract any buyers, despite efforts by the Sadar tehsil to recover dues worth INR 5.7 crore under UP-RERA guidelines. The flats had been seized after the developer's prolonged non-compliance with a 2020 recovery certificate that classified the dues as land-revenue arrears. Despite multiple public notifications, no bids were received, prompting officials to plan a rescheduled auction. In a broader crackdown, authorities also sealed the offices of 12 developers in Dadri, who collectively owe over INR 175 crore to UP-RERA. The actions highlight increasing enforcement measures against defaulting builders failing to meet obligations to homebuyers.Read more

The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) has introduced a WhatsApp chatbot service, enhancing its digital initiatives to simplify civic interactions. Under the guidance of Municipal Commissioner Dr Kailas Shinde, this tech-driven facility allows residents to access property tax and water bill information, and make payments directly via WhatsApp. Citizens can initiate the service by sending 'Hi' to the official chatbot number 8291920504. This innovation complements existing digital platforms such as the NMMC website and My NMMC app, along with payment modes like UPI, credit/debit cards, and mobile wallets.Read more