InfrastructureLatest Stories

Haryana Approves 26 Colonies; Panchkula Excluded

PANCHKULA: The Haryana government has regularized 26 colonies statewide through a notification issued earlier this month, yet none from Panchkula district are included in this list. This situation arises despite repeated commitments from the BJP-led Panchkula municipal corporation to regularize local settlements. Last year, former mayor Kulbhushan Goyal proposed to regularize illegal colonies by offering 1-marla plots at the 2004 collector rates to eligible families residing there for over two decades, but the proposal was never approved. Nearly 70 colonies in the Pinjore-Kalka region, along with several in Panchkula city, have been awaiting regularization for years. Areas like Gandhi Colony,…

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Haryana Fast-Tracks Metro Project with Direct Land Purchases

GURUGRAM: To expedite the long-awaited Millennium City Centre-Cyber City Metro corridor, the Haryana government has introduced a policy permitting GMRL to acquire private land through negotiated settlements. They will also maintain the option for compulsory acquisition if landowners do not cooperate. Although most of the 29.05 km corridor runs through government-owned land, certain sections—including those near existing buildings, properties needing demolition, and a depot primarily on public land—require the acquisition of small but essential private parcels. A GMRL official remarked, “Even minor delays in securing these areas could impact the project’s overall completion timeline.” Announced by the town and country…

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Bengaluru body recovers ₹700 crore in encroached land through 14 demolitions

BENGALURU: The Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) undertook 14 demolition drives from July to December last year, reclaiming encroached properties valued at over ₹704.3 crore throughout the city. These efforts led to the recovery of over 25 acres of encroached land across various regions, including South, North, and East Bengaluru. The BDA demolished unauthorized RCC buildings, sheds, compound walls, and industrial structures that had been illegally erected on lands designated for layouts, roads, and infrastructure projects. The most significant recoveries occurred in JP Nagar 9th Phase, where approximately 12.5 acres, valued at around ₹370 crore, were reclaimed in three phases. Notable…

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Bihar CM Sets January 31 Deadline for Land Survey

PATNA: On Tuesday, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar announced that all pending land measurement applications will be addressed by January 31 through a special initiative. This effort aims to minimize delays, enhance transparency, and mitigate land disputes across the state. In a social media update, the Chief Minister stated these reforms will greatly benefit residents by creating a more transparent and efficient land measurement process. “People often face long wait times after applying for land measurement, which can lead to unnecessary hardships and disputes,” the CM mentioned in his post. He emphasized that all pending applications would be resolved by January…

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Noida Techie’s Death Highlights Numerous Dangerous Pits

Representative AI image NOIDA: The land that became a death trap for a software engineer on a foggy Sector 150 road last week is just one of many such hazards across the city. Numerous deep trenches dug on housing and commercial sites have been left untouched for years, contributing to a dangerous environment. A survey by TOI identified several excavated areas along or near busy roads in Sectors 32, 85, 150, and 154. Many of these sites feature steep drops, thick vegetation, and exposed iron rods, yet lack essential safety measures like barricades, warning signs, or reflective markers. In Sector…

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Mahalunge-Maan town plan awaits final approval: PMRDA

PUNE: Seven years after the state government granted initial approval for the Mahalunge–Maan town planning (TP) scheme, the flagship project, which was highlighted during the 2019 Magnetic Maharashtra Investor Summit, is still pending final clearance from the state Urban Development Department (UDD), as reported by a senior PMRDA official. The Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) emphasized that while this model scheme remains a priority, delays have arisen due to the necessity of multiple approvals. A senior PMRDA official mentioned, “The scheme is currently under evaluation and is anticipated to receive clearance soon.” These delays come despite previous assurances from…

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660+ construction sites still lack air quality monitors, BMC tells HC

Representative AI image MUMBAI: The BMC has informed the Bombay High Court that sensor-based air quality monitors have yet to be installed at 662 of the 1,954 ongoing construction sites within its jurisdiction. In response to a December 24 order from the court to provide status reports showing tangible improvements in Mumbai’s pollution levels, the BMC submitted a reply affidavit. According to Avinash Kate, chief engineer (environment and climate change), the BMC has activated its action plan for the next 15 days. The affidavit also mentioned that showcause and stop-work notices were issued at construction sites failing to comply with…

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Gurugram: 83 Trees Cut for Illegal Buildings and Roads

Representative AI image GURUGRAM: The forest department has filed a report regarding violations in the Aravalis after a visit from TOI to Raisina Hills, which highlighted the construction of a road and buildings on protected forest land. This report follows a recent inspection conducted by the Haryana forest department in the Aravali region. Officials reported a total of 83 trees felled over two inspections. Divisional Forest Officer Raj Kumar stated, “On Jan 15, we returned to the area and discovered an additional 28 trees had been cut down. We previously issued a forest offence report (FOR) in September 2025 concerning…

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GRAP-4: Open C&D Waste and Road Work Issues in Gurugram

Representative Ai image GURUGRAM: GRAP (Graded Response Action Plan) Stage 4 is currently active across the NCR, but enforcement appears lacking. Local authorities may announce crackdowns, yet Gurgaon streets resemble dust zones. “Dust is everywhere,” remarked Komal Yadav, a resident of Sushant Lok 1, as construction, road excavation, and debris dumping continue despite strict anti-pollution measures. A recent check by TOI revealed ongoing construction and roadwork at various locations, including IFFCO Chowk, Sector 28, Sector 23, Palam Vihar, Sushant Lok 1, and Maruti Vihar. Stage 4 of GRAP, implemented during severe air quality events, aims to restrict dust and emissions…

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Survey of Urban Slums Planned for 2027

NEW DELHI: The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation is set to conduct a nationwide survey on urban slums in 2027. This survey will aim to gather comprehensive data on the living conditions of residents in these areas. The survey will take place more than ten years after the last one, providing crucial insights into the number of slums and households, as well as their access to electricity, drainage systems, garbage disposal, road infrastructure, housing quality, and drinking water. Additionally, it will evaluate how conditions in these areas have changed over time, which will inform future policymaking. “We have surveys…