InfrastructureLatest Stories

Bhubaneswar Upholds Demolition of Unauthorised 5-Storey Building

BHUBANESWAR: The housing and urban development department has rejected an appeal from a promoter and a group of homebuyers, affirming the Bhubaneswar Development Authority’s (BDA) decision to demolish an unauthorized five-storey residential building in Andilo, Balianta. The case highlighted a deliberate attempt by the promoter and buyers to circumvent regulatory requirements. It is alleged that the promoter constructed the building without BDA approval, using an outdated building plan from the Balianta gram panchayat, which was valid before the area came under BDA jurisdiction in 2011. Despite not securing the necessary no-objection certificates (NOCs), the promoter allegedly proceeded with construction and…

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HYDRAA Faces 700 Cases After Protecting 1,000 Acres

Here’s a rewritten version of the provided content: — HYDERABAD: The Hyderabad Disaster Management and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA) has successfully protected over 1,000 acres of public land and water bodies valued at around Rs 55,000 crore. However, it is currently facing an overwhelming wave of legal challenges. In just 15 months since its formation, HYDRAA has been subjected to nearly 700 lawsuits, primarily from alleged encroachers and land grabbers contesting its demolition and anti-encroachment efforts. Notably, Commissioner AV Ranganath is himself confronting 31 contempt petitions. Officials indicated to TOI that many petitioners are employing high-profile lawyers from Delhi, reportedly…

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Draft rules simplify basement and parking norms in Bengaluru

BENGALURU: The state government has proposed significant amendments to Bengaluru’s building regulations under the Revised Master Plan (RMP) 2015, with the aim of facilitating legal construction for homeowners with smaller plots without compromising valuable space. The proposed draft simplifies setback requirements, eases basement regulations, and modernizes parking guidelines — changes that officials claim will streamline compliance and curb unauthorized constructions. “When regulations are overly complicated or impractical, individuals tend to resort to illegal constructions. By simplifying the guidelines, we support small-plot owners who cannot afford to sacrifice buildable space while promoting better ventilation and adherence to legal standards,” stated Tushar…

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Builders Commit to Compliance as GRAP Stage-III Begins in NCR

NEW DELHI: As air quality in Delhi-NCR deteriorates to ‘severe’ levels, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has implemented Stage-III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), enforcing immediate restrictions on construction and demolition activities in the area. Real estate developers and industry organizations have committed to adhering to these directives, underscoring their environmental responsibility by adopting dust control and pollution reduction measures at all active sites. Pradeep Aggarwal, founder and chairman of Signature Global (India), stated, “Although temporary restrictions on construction may necessitate short-term changes, such actions are vital for promoting environmental sustainability and public health. Our teams…

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Delhi to install CCTV at 524 sites to curb construction dumping

Representative AI image NEW DELHI: In a bid to combat illegal dumping of construction and demolition (C&D) waste in public areas, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) will install CCTV cameras at 524 sites across 12 city zones. The Shahdara South zone will host the highest concentration, with 113 locations. Officials discussed the issue at a recent meeting where the Public Works Department (PWD) agreed to provide the cameras, although PWD has not made any comments regarding this decision. “The installation of these cameras will help identify repeat offenders and impose penalties. While our teams conduct inspections, it’s challenging to…

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Noida Implements Construction Ban as GRAP Stage-III Takes Effect

NOIDA: Due to the worsening air quality in the Delhi-NCR region, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has initiated Stage-III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). As a result, the Noida Authority has implemented stringent restrictions on construction activities and vehicle movement throughout the city. According to an official announcement on Tuesday, all construction work in Noida is suspended, with the exceptions of metro rail, hospitals, and flyovers. This action is aimed at reducing pollution levels as the region’s Air Quality Index (AQI) remains in the “severe” category. On Wednesday evening, the AQI readings were 407 at the…

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Ahmedabad’s Demolition Drive Targets Illegal Builds in Vatva, Jamalpur

AHMEDABAD: The Town Development Officer (TDO) of the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) executed demolition drives in the Vatva and Jamalpur regions on Tuesday, focusing on illegal constructions and encroachments on public and civic lands. In Vatva, the AMC dismantled 14 illegal structures located around Bhoja Talav, situated along the Narol-Aslali Highway. Officials reported that approximately 12,540 sq m of lake land was reclaimed from encroachment. Additionally, in Lambha ward, two unused toilet blocks on Gamtal Road in Saijpur-Gopalpur were demolished, along with five compound walls. In a separate initiative, officials in the Central Zone’s Jamalpur area demolished illegal construction on…

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Centre Implements GRAP Stage-III Restrictions in Delhi-NCR

NEW DELHI: On Tuesday, the Centre enacted stricter anti-pollution measures as part of Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in Delhi-NCR after the city’s air quality reached the ‘severe’ category. The decision followed a sharp increase in Delhi’s average Air Quality Index (AQI), which climbed from 362 on Monday to 425 on Tuesday morning. This escalation was attributed to calm winds, stable atmospheric conditions, and unfavorable weather that facilitated the accumulation of pollutants near the ground, according to the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM). Stage III measures include a ban on non-essential construction work and the…

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Crackdown on Illegal Commercial Structures in Ludhiana

LUDHIANA: In a move against unauthorized constructions, the municipal corporation (MC) sealed three illegal shops and a building in Zone B on Monday. Additionally, an under-construction commercial building near Mohar Singh Nagar was demolished. The illegal shops were located in Nirankari Mohalla, while the building was in Narinder Nagar. This action follows directives from MC Commissioner Aaditya Dachalwal. Regarding the action in Mohar Singh Nagar, officials noted that the owner was unlawfully converting a residential building into a commercial space. The unauthorized section of the building was demolished. The civic body urged residents to initiate construction only after securing approval…

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Haryana CM Urges Action on Civic Issues in Gurugram

File Photo CHANDIGARH: Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini declared Gurugram as the fastest-growing city in the state, emphasizing that any negligence in civic amenities management will not be tolerated. He instructed officials to quickly compile and present a comprehensive report on the current status of water supply, sewerage systems, and sewage treatment plants (STPs) in the city. Saini asserted that providing high-quality essential services to every Gurugram resident is a top government priority. The CM held a meeting of the District Public Relations and Grievance Redressal Committee in Gurugram on Monday, attended by local MLAs Bimla Chaudhary, Tejpal Tanwar,…