InfrastructureLatest Stories

Sand Shortage Disrupts Jharkhand’s Real Estate and Infrastructure

AI-generated Representative Image RANCHI: Due to the National Green Tribunal’s (NGT) ban on sand mining from June 10 to October 15 to protect the environment during monsoon, the state is experiencing a severe sand crisis. This situation has significantly hampered construction activities in both governmental and private sectors. The ban, intended to prevent environmental damage, has led to an acute sand shortage, resulting in soaring prices. With sand supply suspended, numerous infrastructure projects, including roadworks, housing schemes, and public utilities, have either stalled or significantly slowed down. Private builders and contractors are also feeling the impact, as many real estate…

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Study reveals construction and encroachment on Yamuna floodplain

Representative image created by AI NEW DELHI: An advocacy group focused on water issues has flagged multiple ecological concerns following site visits to the eastern bank of the Yamuna floodplain near the Wazirabad barrage. Their assessment revealed that the area has been leveled with construction debris and soil waste, alongside rampant construction and encroachment activities. The group—South Asia Network on Dams, Rivers and People—has called for action from the lieutenant governor, chief minister, and senior officials to clear the dumped waste and dismantle permanent structures in an effort to restore the floodplain. They have also addressed a formal complaint to…

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Maharashtra Govt Approves Loan Guarantee for Six Metro Projects

MUMBAI: The Maharashtra government has approved a loan guarantee for six Metro projects managed by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), securing continued funding from international financial institutions for ongoing construction. The projects include Metro Lines 5 (Thane-Bhiwandi-Kalyan), 6 (Swami Samarth Nagar-Vikhroli), 9 (Dahisar East-Mira Bhayandar), 10 (Gaimukh-Shivaji Chowk, Mira Road), 11 (Wadala-CSMT), and a 3.3-km underground extension of Metro Line 7 from Gundavali to the international airport via Marol. Many of these projects are either under construction or in advanced planning stages, necessitating significant investment due to their complex elevated and underground structures. This proposal received approval during…

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Nagpur fines 4,890 for blocking public spaces with material

NAGPUR: The Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) has intensified its efforts against public space encroachments, taking action against 4,658 individuals and 232 builders over the past six months for unauthorized placement of construction materials on roads, footpaths, and vacant lots. This activity resulted in an average of one to two actions against builders every day from January 1 to June 30, 2025. The civic authority has collected Rs1.16 crore in penalties during this period, targeting builders as well as citizens who left construction debris and materials in public spaces beyond the allowed time. Municipal regulations stipulate that such materials should be…

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783 CRZ Buildings Notified, 44 Demolished: Maharashtra Minister

MUMBAI: A total of 783 buildings in coastal regulation zone (CRZ) areas across 10 civic wards have been served showcause notices, with 44 structures already demolished, according to state revenue minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule. Some cases are currently in court. A statement presented to the legislative council regarding the forged map scandal, brought to light by citizen Vaibhav Thakur, revealed that the special investigation team (SIT) formed at the request of the Bombay High Court has arrested 23 individuals, with three more still at large. Of those arrested, 12 are private citizens, two are officers, seven are employees, and two are…

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New Town Plans in Ahmedabad Require 5% Green Cover

AHMEDABAD: The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) is poised to introduce significant greening initiatives aimed at enhancing the urban environment, with Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel set to present the draft policies on July 19. The new ‘Greening Policy Measures for a Greener Ahmedabad’ mandates that all new town planning schemes allocate 5% of the total land for green cover. Within this allocation, 1% must be specifically designated for urban forests using the Miyawaki technique, which allows for rapid and dense planting. This policy extends existing state government requirements. Previously, the state’s Town Planning Act permitted a maximum of 5% land reservation…

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Auda’s Past Plans Erode Ahmedabad’s Lakes

Representative image created by AI AHMEDABAD: Numerous ponds and lakes throughout the city have experienced a notable decrease in their land area due to past Town Planning (TP) schemes created by the Ahmedabad Urban Development Authority (AUDA), even though state government policy prohibits such reductions, according to sources. Areas like Thaltej, Bopal, Memnagar, Vastrapur, and Charodi—previously under AUDA’s jurisdiction—have seen their water bodies diminish in size since being integrated into the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) limits. Official sources indicate that AUDA’s TP scheme drafts—initially designed for village lands that were later incorporated into the city—resulted in a reduction of land…

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Rajasthan to Study Feasibility of Satellite Towns Near Jaipur

Representative image created by AI JAIPUR: The state government is conducting feasibility studies to develop satellite towns following a recent Budget announcement, as stated by Urban Development and Housing Minister Jhabar Singh Kharra. “We are in discussions with a multinational company to establish satellite towns around Jaipur. We aim to complete the feasibility within a few months,” Kharra remarked. Senior officials from the Urban Development and Housing department indicated that these planned townships aspire to mirror projects like Gujarat’s GIFT City and Hyderabad’s HITEC City. The targeted small towns include Bassi, Bagru, Chomu, and Kotputli. An official noted, “The concept…

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Ludhiana to Build Construction and Demolition Waste Plant

Representative image created by AI LUDHIANA: After years of delays, Ludhiana’s civic authorities have launched a long-awaited construction and demolition (C&D) waste processing plant, aimed at tackling the city’s issue of illegally dumped construction debris. Located in Dhandhari, the facility was inaugurated on Wednesday after an inspection by Municipal Corporation Commissioner Aaditya Dachalwal and senior officials. The project, worth ₹7.39 crore (A$1.3 million), was funded under the Swachh Bharat Mission and the Smart City Mission, and is designed to process up to 100 tonnes of construction waste daily. “This plant will enhance cleanliness throughout the city,” stated Commissioner Dachalwal. “We…

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Chennai’s Third Master Plan Promises City Growth and Height

Representative image created by AI CHENNAI: Residents can soon expect improved proximity to workplaces, more housing choices, and enhanced civic infrastructure. The Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) is developing its third master plan, which will propose increased Floor Space Index (FSI) in key areas, mixed-use developments, and gradual upgrades to support compact, vertical city growth. The upcoming master plan aims to reshape Chennai’s skyline by boosting FSI in strategically identified zones such as metro corridors, entertainment hubs, commercial centers, and industrial zones to encourage vertical development. “We need to optimize urban space. Strategically increasing FSI near metro stations, shopping malls,…