InfrastructureLatest Stories

Residents urge pollution board to control Kolkata construction noise

Representative image created by AI KOLKATA: Residents of a neighborhood in south Kolkata have contacted the state pollution control board, requesting it to manage noise pollution from construction activities, similar to its successful efforts in controlling dust pollution. Among the proposed solutions is the installation of sound suppression barriers at construction sites. In a letter addressed to PCB chairman Kalyan Rudra, a representative of the Hindustan Park residents’ association highlighted that the incessant high-decibel noise from local construction sites is overwhelming. Chartered Accountant Nina Ghosh from Hindustan Park mentioned that the use of jackhammers and the hammering of piling sheets…

InfrastructureLatest Stories

Chennai clears 2 lakh tonnes of building waste in 6 months

Representative Image CHENNAI: The Greater Chennai Corporation has successfully removed 2 lakh tonnes of construction and demolition (C&D) waste over the last six months across all 15 city zones. The cleanup operation commenced on January 7, initially focusing on seven zones before expanding to all after resolving a legal issue. Supported by Premier Precision Surface, the effort now utilizes 168 vehicles, including earthmovers, tipper lorries, and compact trucks, averaging about 1,000 tonnes of waste clearance per day. Officials stated that the waste is sent to recycling centers located at Kodungaiyur and Perungudi, where it is sorted and repurposed into paver…

InfrastructureLatest Stories

Thirteen Illegal Colonies on 40 Acres Demolished in Gurugram

Representative image created by AI GURUGRAM: The Department of Town and Country Planning (DTCP) has initiated a significant demolition drive, targeting 13 unauthorized colonies throughout the city. In collaboration with local police, the DTCP has cleared over 40 acres of illegal developments and demolished more than 50 structures as part of this major enforcement operation. The enforcement activities, carried out in three phases between July 18 and July 23, focused on unauthorized colonies within the jurisdictions of Sector 65, Rajendra Park, and Bhondsi police stations. Officials noted that these colonies were established without the required layout approvals, zoning clearances, or…

InfrastructureLatest Stories

AP CM Seeks Future-Ready Master Plan for Vizag Amid Investment Growth

VIJAYAWADA: Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu highlighted the necessity for a comprehensive master plan for Visakhapatnam, tailored to future investments and needs. He remarked that numerous companies are flocking to the city, where available land is scarce. During a meeting of the State Investment Promotion Board (SIPB) on Wednesday, Naidu emphasized the importance of securing appropriate land for incoming investment projects and developing the necessary infrastructure for future growth. In response to concerns raised about traffic and infrastructure difficulties in cities like Pune and Bengaluru, Naidu advised developing a sustainable master plan that would cater to Visakhapatnam’s requirements over the…

InfrastructureLatest Stories

Setback for GMADA’s land pooling policy in Mohali

Representative image MOHALI: The Greater Mohali Area Development Authority’s (GMADA) ambitious land pooling policy has faced significant pushback, with only 51 applications received from nearly 8,000 eligible landowners after a two-month campaign to acquire 2,600 acres for urban development. The initiative, intended for regulated growth across Sectors 84, 87, 101–103, and 120–124 along the PR-7 road, has met fierce opposition from local farmers and political parties. Protests organized by Congress have already occurred, with the Shiromani Akali Dal planning similar actions soon. Farmer organizations from villages like Patton, Siaou, Badi, Kishanpura, Kurdi, and Matran have submitted a formal memorandum to…

InfrastructureLatest Stories

Rooftop Illegal Constructions Threaten Chandni Chowk Safety

File Photo NEW DELHI: Illegal construction has surged in Chandni Chowk and surrounding areas of the Walled City, further complicating the already crowded streets. Many properties are being converted into multi-storey buildings that exceed height limits and reportedly violate regulations, leading to administrative chaos and increasing the potential for structural accidents. On July 18, the Supreme Court addressed the issue, ordering the sealing of unauthorized constructions in Chandni Chowk and the arrest of those responsible for the violations. The court criticized civic authorities for failing to protect a heritage area from illegal development. The municipal corporation is currently reviewing the…

InfrastructureLatest Stories

No Retaining Walls in High-Risk River Zones, Nagpur Homes

Representative image created by AI NAGPUR: The rapid urban development near the Nag, Pili, and Pora rivers in north, east, and south Nagpur has put numerous new settlements at risk of flooding due to a lack of retaining walls. In response, the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) has proposed a ₹57 crore funding request to the state government for flood mitigation efforts, aiming to construct retaining walls in these vulnerable areas, as confirmed by NMC’s chief engineer, Manoj Talewar. Although the state government has approved the NMC proposal “in principle,” the funds have yet to be released. The proposal identifies critical…

InfrastructureLatest Stories

Andhra Pradesh to Reintroduce BPS & LRS to Curb Illegal Builds

Representative image created by AI VIJAYAWADA: The Andhra Pradesh government plans to reintroduce the Building Penalisation Scheme (BPS) and Layout Regularisation Scheme (LRS) aimed at regulating illegal structures and layouts across the state. These schemes were in effect during the TDP administration from 2014 to 2019. In response to the rising number of constructions lacking necessary permissions, the government aims to relaunch these initiatives to also boost state revenues. The cabinet is anticipated to review the proposal in their upcoming meeting. The municipal administration and urban development department is preparing a strategy to address the issue of illegal structures and…

InfrastructureLatest Stories

Ahmedabad Construction Sites Under Scrutiny for Air Data Deception

Representative image created by AI AHMEDABAD: Some developers are allegedly misleading the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) by violating air pollution management rules at their construction sites and covering their tracks. A regulation introduced in 2023 mandates the installation of air quality sensors to monitor PM10 levels at all construction sites over 10,000 square meters. Currently, over 100 sites have sensors that provide real-time data to the AMC. The civic body grew suspicious when certain sites reported consistently low PM10 levels below 50, raising concerns of manipulation. Investigations confirmed these suspicions; sensors at several locations were found wrapped in wet cloths…

InfrastructureLatest Stories

Chandigarh Unveils New Urban Plan After Slum Clearances

CHANDIGARH: A significant transformation is unfolding in the heart of India’s most carefully planned city. Over the last six months, almost 50 acres of valuable government land—previously encroached upon by slums, unauthorized colonies, and informal markets—has been reclaimed by the city administration through a vigorous anti-encroachment initiative. This area, once a tangle of tin roofs and narrow paths, is set to be redeveloped with modern infrastructure and various long-awaited civic projects. The shift in the cityscape is evident, starting with the demolition of Sanjay Colony in April and culminating in the recent razing of Adarsh Colony—each bulldozer pushing the city…