InfrastructureLatest Stories

Mysuru Body Proposes Expansion of Local Planning Area Amid Doubts

MYSURU: The Mysuru Development Authority (MDA) is planning to expand its local planning area (LPA) from 519 sq km to nearly 1,200 sq km, potentially increasing its administrative coverage over the city’s development. This proposal aims to facilitate more organized and centralized planning; however, there are concerns that it does not sufficiently address Mysuru’s rapid growth or the necessity for solid mass transportation infrastructure. MDA’s in-charge commissioner, K R Rakshith, informed TOI that since the authority’s establishment eight months ago, three board meetings have taken place. During the latest meeting last month, chaired by the deputy commissioner, the board decided…

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Mohali Dismantles Illegal Structures Near Sukhna Lake

MOHALI: The district administration conducted an anti-encroachment drive in Naya Gaon on Monday, adhering to high court directives aimed at removing unauthorized constructions in the Kansal catchment area of Sukhna Lake. The operation was overseen by the designated nodal officer and involved teams from AME, the building inspector, general inspector, and the executive officer. Police, including the Naya Gaon SHO, were present to maintain order during the action. Officials indicated that the enforcement teams targeted structures built in violation of court orders, particularly around Patiala Ki Rao and parts of Shivalik Vihar. These areas are within the restricted Kansal catchment…

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Only 15% of Gurugram’s construction sites follow dust rules

GURUGRAM: Construction dust is a major contributor to pollution, yet only about 15% of large construction projects in the area adhere to mandatory air quality monitoring regulations. According to data from Haryana’s dust-control portal, just 461 construction sites measuring 500 square meters or more have registered, while approximately 3,000 are estimated to be operational. This suggests that nearly 85% are not in compliance with official monitoring protocols. Registration on this portal is required under guidelines set by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM). These guidelines also mandate that projects install PM2.5 and PM10 sensors connected to a live dashboard…

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BDA Layout Residents to Join New Greater Bengaluru Authority

Representative AI image BENGALURU: Residents of several previously neglected Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) layouts are on the verge of gaining democratic involvement. The government has started transferring major BDA-developed areas to the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) and its respective city corporations. For the first time, residents will have the ability to hold the GBA accountable for developmental activities. The initiative includes significant residential areas such as Banashankari 6th Stage, JP Nagar 8th and 9th Phases, Anjanapura Township, and Sir M Visvesvaraya Layout, which were under BDA governance for many years—a body not designed for everyday civic management. Residents have expressed…

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CREDAI Calls for Centralized STPs for Safer Vizag Operations

VISAKHAPATNAM: Addressing rising concerns regarding the operations of Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) in large apartment complexes, CREDAI-Visakhapatnam is advocating for a structured and centralized system to ensure safety, efficiency, and environmental compliance. According to government regulations, high-rise residential buildings with more than 100 dwelling units are mandated to install STPs. While these systems are crucial for wastewater treatment and recycling, their routine operation is often handed over to apartment associations post-construction. Many associations opt to hire third-party agencies for management due to a lack of technical expertise in-house. CREDAI leaders warn that inadequate vetting of these operators is becoming a…

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GDA to Hand Over Five Colonies, Pay ₹66 Crore for Civic Work

GHAZIABAD: The GDA (Ghaziabad Development Authority) and GMC (Ghaziabad Municipal Corporation) have officially completed the handover of five colonies. GDA has pledged Rs 66 crore for essential improvements to water, road, and sewer infrastructure. This marks their first streamlined handover agreement since Indirapuram, which took over a decade. The colonies involved in this transfer include Swarn Jyantipuram, B Block of Karpuri Puram, Bhaurao Devrash Colony, KB Block in Pratap Vihar, CP Block in Govindpuram, and a segment of Raj Nagar Extension along Pusta Road. Additionally, a 56 MLD STP (Sewage Treatment Plant) located in Madhuban Bapudham will also be handed…

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Survey urges holistic rethink of development control rules

NEW DELHI: India’s urban areas are at a pivotal point, as highlighted by the Economic Survey 2025-26, which emphasizes that the nation’s urban narrative currently reflects an “unfinished promise.” To fully harness the capabilities of these “engines of growth,” the report advocates for a comprehensive reassessment of development control regulations (DCR) and a strategic overhaul in urban financing and governance. Central to this shift is the imperative to recognize cities as “critical economic infrastructure” rather than just living spaces. The survey points out a notable “governance deficit,” suggesting that while major global cities operate with autonomy, Indian cities often prioritize…

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Wastewater Treatment Could Unlock ₹3.2 Lakh Crore Market by 2047

Representative AI image NEW DELHI: The Economic Survey 2025-26 highlights a new economic opportunity within India’s evolving urban environment: the circular water economy. Addressing the escalating freshwater scarcity, the survey contends that the conventional “use and dispose” model is untenable for a quickly urbanizing nation. It recommends a paradigm shift towards viewing wastewater as a vital urban resource, which has the potential to create a market valued between ₹2.4 lakh crore and ₹3.2 lakh crore by 2047. The report emphasizes that reusing Treated Used Water (TUW) for non-potable applications like industrial cooling, construction, and landscaping could lead to more than…

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Centre announces new solid waste management rules starting April 1

Representative AI image NEW DELHI: The Center has introduced new Solid Waste Management Rules mandating four-stream segregation of solid waste at its source, with clearly defined responsibilities for bulk waste generators. The waste categories for segregation include: wet waste, dry waste, sanitary waste, and special care waste. Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav announced that these rules will take effect from April 1. Bulk waste generators are defined as entities with a floor area of 20,000 square meters or more, daily water consumption of 40,000 liters or more, or solid waste generation of 100 kilograms or more per day. This category…

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Mangaluru Apartments Turn Wet Waste into Compost, Boost Income

Representative AI Image MANGALURU: Numerous apartment complexes in the city are implementing sustainable waste management techniques by converting household wet waste into organic compost. This approach not only decreases the amount of waste sent to landfills but also generates a modest revenue stream for resident welfare associations. Many apartments are investing in Organic Waste Composter (OWC) machines that can transform wet waste into compost within a day. The produced compost is sold to residents and others. While machine-based composting is on the rise, several residential complexes still use traditional vermicomposting, which takes several weeks to complete. At Canopy, a luxury…