InfrastructureLatest Stories

Andhra Pradesh Launches Unified Urban Zoning Policy

VIJAYAWADA: In a significant move towards organized urban development, the state government has launched a unified zoning policy for all municipal corporations, municipalities, and urban development authorities. This initiative aims to resolve confusion stemming from inconsistent zoning regulations and to encourage sustainable growth in both urban and semi-urban regions through standardized land use guidelines. Previously, the state operated under 16 distinct land use categories, which often resulted in overlapping regulations and administrative hurdles. The decision to implement uniform zoning was made following comprehensive research conducted by a team of officials who explored best practices in states such as Odisha, Tamil…

Latest StoriesResidential

Commercialization Pushes Residents Out of Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad

HYDERABAD: In recent years, numerous voters from the affluent yet sparsely populated area of Jubilee Hills have changed their registration to other assembly segments such as Khairatabad and Sherlingapally. The rapid commercialization of the vicinity between 2000 and 2014 led many residents to sell their homes and land, originally purchased at very low prices—sometimes as little as Rs 200 per acre—and relocate to quieter neighborhoods. Interestingly, a large portion of the affluent enclave is actually part of the Khairatabad constituency rather than Jubilee Hills. Once a beacon of aspiration, Jubilee Hills has long been recognized as one of Asia’s most…

InfrastructureLatest Stories

World Bank to Release $200M for Amaravati by December 2025

AMARAVATI: The World Bank has committed USD 800 million for the development of Amaravati Capital Phase-I and is anticipated to release the second installment of USD 200 million by the end of this year, according to a senior official from the Andhra Pradesh government. The World Bank and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) are each contributing USD 800 million, totaling USD 1.6 billion (approximately Rs 13,600 crore), for the Phase-I development of Amaravati. In addition, the Centre will contribute Rs 1,400 crore from its overall commitment of Rs 15,000 crore for this phase. As part of its commitment, the World…

Latest StoriesRegulatory

Chennai: ₹2,000 Cr Housing Scam in Pallikaranai Ramsar Site

CHENNAI: The anti-corruption NGO Arappor Iyakkam has accused various state government departments of unlawfully granting clearance for a ₹2,000-crore housing project allegedly located within the ecologically sensitive Pallikaranai Ramsar wetland area in Perumbakkam. In a complaint to the Chief Minister, Chief Secretary, and DVAC, the NGO highlighted that the State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA) and CMDA provided environmental clearance and construction approval for specific survey numbers—453, 495/2c, 496, 497, and 498—which fall within the marshland boundaries. Arappor claims to have submitted a 213-page supporting document as evidence. According to the Ramsar site map and influence outlines provided by CMDA,…

Latest StoriesResidential

Regularize Buildings Under Karnataka’s e-Swathu: Tax Since 2016

BENGALURU: Property owners wishing to regularise unauthorized properties under Karnataka’s e-Swathu scheme are required to pay property tax retrospectively, starting from either 2016 or the year they received an electricity connection, as per official guidance. The e-Swathu initiative aims to incorporate unauthorized properties into the tax system and improve transparency. Panchayats have been instructed to promptly assess and collect dues based on various slabs linked to the guidance value. The process is regulated by the Karnataka Gram Swaraj and Panchayat Raj (Gram Panchayat Tax, Rates and Fees) Rules, 2025, which were officially published last week. According to these rules, Gram…

IndustryLatest Stories

Protest for Oran Land Registration in Jaisalmer Concludes

JAISALMER: The 34-day protest advocating for the formal recognition of Oran-Gochar land concluded late Sunday night following successful discussions between the Oran representatives and the district administration. The negotiations took place at the Jaisalmer Collectorate, attended by local MLA Chhotusingh Bhati, Pokaran MLA Mahant Pratappuri, district collector Pratap Singh, and members of the Oran team. After thorough discussions, the administration consented to most demands, promising that the registration of Oran land in official records would be completed in three months. Pratap Singh highlighted that this initiative marks a historic change for the region. “The administration has submitted proposals to the…

Latest StoriesRegulatory

Telangana HC Warns Lawyers & Builders on Illegal Constructions

HYDERABAD: The Telangana High Court has raised concerns regarding the increasing trend of illegal construction and unauthorized collections, urging advocates to rethink their involvement in such cases, as this could undermine the state’s future. Justice B Vijaysen Reddy pointed out the potential long-lasting effects, warning that coming generations might hold the current officials responsible for these issues. He advised municipal authorities and lawyers representing builders involved in illegal activities to stay alert. The caution was issued during the hearing of a petition by farmer B Sanjeev Kumar, who claimed that government authorities had failed to act against illegal construction carried…

IndustryLatest Stories

Nagpur: Officials to Assess Laxmi Nagar Fire Damage

NAGPUR: Following a significant fire that destroyed the ground floor of a commercial-residential building containing Reliance Fresh Mart at Aath Rasta Chowk, Laxmi Nagar, senior officials from the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) visited the site on Wednesday to initiate an inquiry into potential unauthorized constructions and fire safety violations. Additional Commissioner Vaishnavi B and Deputy Commissioner Milind Meshram, who is also overseeing the Laxmi Nagar zone, assessed the damaged building and spoke with residents and firefighters. Their visit comes amid rising concerns regarding encroachments in the basement and parking area, where the fire reportedly began. According to sources, the building,…

IndustryLatest Stories

Mindspace REIT Plans 7-8 Million Sq Ft Expansion in 4 Years

NEW DELHI: Mindspace Business Parks REIT (Mindspace REIT) has shown remarkable operational performance with an occupancy rate nearing 94% as of the last quarter report. The REIT’s existing portfolio encompasses 30 million sq ft of completed space, alongside an additional 7-8 million sq ft currently under construction, expected to be finalized in the next two to four years, raising the total planned portfolio to around 38 million sq ft. The company maintains a steady loan-to-value (LTV) ratio between 25% and 26%, feeling secure up to 35% before considering capital expansion. Additionally, it has consistently secured a solid 20% re-leasing spread…

Latest StoriesRegulatory

Bombay HC Stops Flat Split, Backs Society’s Appeal

MUMBAI: The Bombay High Court has firmly opposed the conversion of a single housing unit into two apartments. On October 10, the court upheld a suburban society’s request to deny permission for structural modifications that would divide a flat into separate units. The interim order issued will remain effective until further directives are provided, ensuring the protection of the society’s rights until a final decision is made. The court noted that the society appears to have a compelling case for interim relief. Notices have been issued to the two residents of the flat, with the next hearing scheduled for November…