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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…

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Illegal construction in Rajpur ravines despite HC ban

DEHRADUN: Residents of Rajpur have raised concerns regarding uncontrolled construction in the area’s natural ravines, claiming it violates a high court order from last year that prohibits encroachment on ravines and nalas. They’ve highlighted the region’s seismic vulnerability, pointing to the rise of numerous high-rise buildings, some even under construction, seemingly without sufficient oversight. This situation is exacerbated by increasing pollution, traffic jams, and significant tree loss in Dehradun. “Given that the capital’s ecology is already on unstable ground, why are authorities allowing such construction? Why are licenses being granted for development in ecologically sensitive areas when sub-divisional magistrate reports…

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Illegal colonies on 8.5 acres demolished in Gurugram

GURUGRAM: The Department of Town and Country Planning (DTCP) has launched a crackdown on illegal real estate activities, demolishing unauthorized colonies across 8.5 acres in the city, as reported by officials on Friday. This initiative, supported by police, aims to curb unplanned urbanization and prevent the sale of illegal plots. The first phase of demolitions began on January 14 in Pataudi’s urban area, targeting two unauthorized colonies. In the revenue estate of village Khor, a 4-acre illegal colony was dismantled, leading to the demolition of 15 damp-proof courses (DPCs), five boundary walls, and an internal earthen road network. Additionally, a…

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Bhubaneswar BDA Advances Town Planning Scheme No. 8

BHUBANESWAR: The Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA) has begun implementing Town Planning Scheme (TPS) no. 8, which encompasses 560.81 acres in the Andharua and Daspur mouzas. This initiative is part of the BDA’s extensive plan to promote systematic urban development without compulsory land acquisition for the proposed inner ring road in the TP zone, reducing delays and legal disputes. According to a recent tender released by the BDA, the agency will conduct a comprehensive survey of the area, defining scheme boundaries, roads, and plots, while installing markers at specific points. The agency’s responsibilities will include preparing layout maps, offering digital outputs…