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The Haryana government has directed Gurgaon and Faridabad district administrations to evaluate the effectiveness of anti-smog guns at construction sites in the Delhi-NCR region. With dust pollution becoming a significant concern during summer months, officials have been given one month to assess if the deployment of these devices is sufficient to mitigate pollutants. While experts argue that anti-smog guns provide temporary relief, long-term solutions will require addressing the root causes of pollution, ensuring strict compliance with dust mitigation measures, and fostering collaboration among various stakeholders to improve air quality and safeguard public health.Read more
Chandigarh's IT department has launched an ambitious project to overhaul the city's property management system. This initiative will create unique IDs for all properties, providing a fully mapped, data-rich solution to aid key departments. In addition to streamlining property tax assessments, the project aims to enhance inter-departmental integration. The administration is also integrating 360-degree panorama images with GIS for a comprehensive city view, aiding accurate decision-making. An agency for project execution will be selected within a month. This project exemplifies the transformative power of technology in urban administration.Read more
The Haryana government has introduced 'The Haryana Disposal of Rented Government Properties Policy 2023' to sell its properties that have been leased or rented by private entities for 20 years or more. The policy applies to properties up to 100 sq yards and charges will vary depending on possession duration. The aim is to generate revenue and utilize the properties for public welfare projects.Read more
The Tamil Nadu Urban Habitat Development Board (TNUHDB) has initiated the demolition of dilapidated tenements on New Avadi Road, Chennai, to make way for modern, multi-storied residential buildings. The new complex will feature improved infrastructure, a park, and eco-friendly amenities. TNUHDB's systematic approach to reconstruction has already completed 11,490 tenements, with 6,862 currently underway. The revitalization of the neighbourhood is expected to spur economic growth and improve living conditions for thousands of residents, while promoting sustainable living and community engagement in the area.Read more
Office space absorption in India's major cities declined by 11% YoY in Q1 2023, with Bengaluru, Delhi-NCR, and Chennai accounting for two-thirds of demand. Hyderabad was the only city with strong YoY leasing activity. The flexible workspace is the leading absorption driver, with IT-BPM and BFSI sectors as major contributors. New supply infusion decreased by 31% YoY. Despite the decline, experts foresee a gradual pickup in demand due to the resumption of operations and growing Indian economy, with gross absorption estimated to reach 48.5 million sq. ft in 2023.Read more
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The Department of Town and Country Planning (DTCP) has revised its policy to encourage the construction of low-density and eco-friendly farmhouse colonies on agricultural land. The new policy allows developers to apply for a license for any agricultural land within the city's master plan and caps the number of residents at 25 per acre. To promote eco-friendliness, colonies would need to install solar plants, stormwater recycling systems, sewage treatment plants, waste management facilities, and biodegradable waste recycling facilities.Read more
Foreign investors, led by North America and Singapore, have injected $18 billion into the Indian real estate market between 2018 and 2022, accounting for 58% of total equity investments, according to a CBRE South Asia report. Despite pandemic headwinds, the office sector attracted over $13 billion or 40% of total equity inflows. Emerging segments like warehousing, data centres, and co-living spaces have also witnessed growing interest. Over the next two years, investments are expected to remain steady at $16-17 billion, with the office sector continuing to draw the largest share of institutional inflows.Read more
The Madurai City Licensed Builders' and City Developers' Welfare Association has called on the Madurai Corporation to expedite building plan approvals and plot regularisations, citing a 40-day backlog affecting builders and construction workers. The delay has stalled new projects and impacted the local construction sector. In response, the corporation has appointed a new official to oversee the town planning department, aiming to address the backlog. The association has also suggested process improvements, such as allowing zonal offices to handle larger plots and implementing a fully online system for regularisations, to support the industry's growth in Madurai.Read more
Over 70 residents of Chennai's Metro Zone gated community protested the builder's failure to pay INR 44 lakh in electricity dues. The Residents Welfare Association (RWA) had to cover costs using maintenance funds to avoid power disconnection. The community has also raised concerns about construction quality and safety standards. Residents demand the builder to comply with Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA) orders, reimburse the RWA, and address their concerns. Metro Zone officials dispute the amount claimed and assure that the remaining dues will be paid before the end of the month.Read more
The Ranchi Municipal Corporation has ordered the demolition of 90 buildings encroaching upon Ranchi's Kanke Dam and Ranchi Lake catchment areas, following a directive from the Jharkhand High Court. The owners of the buildings have been given two weeks to demolish the structures themselves, or the RMC will do so and levy costs against them. Encroachment on catchment areas can lead to water degradation, pollution, and environmental problems. The RMC's action is a step towards preserving the water bodies and protecting public health, but the high court should ensure fairness in the process.Read more
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