Latest StoriesRegulatory

ED uncovers property records tied to ex-Vasai-Virar chief

MUMBAI: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has confiscated several documents related to properties associated with Anil Pawar, the former civic chief of the Vasai-Virar City Municipal Corporation (VVMC), during searches conducted at 12 locations linked to him this week. According to ED sources, Pawar allegedly “established multiple entities in the names of family members, relatives, and benamidars to facilitate money laundering of bribed funds.” The sources further revealed, “The creation of these shell entities aligns with his tenure as VVCMC commissioner in 2022, engaging largely in cash-intensive businesses such as construction and redevelopment.” Investigations by the ED uncovered a systematic cartel…

IndustryLatest Stories

Noida Authority to Create New Policy for Construction Workers

NOIDA: In an effort to improve living conditions for the increasing construction workforce in the city, the Noida Authority is formulating a policy that may mandate developers and contractors to establish labor camps offering hygienic accommodation with essential amenities, such as toilets, clean water, electricity, and waste management systems, prior to commencing any construction projects. The proposed policy could also include welfare measures, providing access to medical assistance, regular health check-ups, and schooling for children accompanying their working parents. At present, many workers live in makeshift shelters near construction sites, which often lack safety and hygiene. “The planning department has…

Latest StoriesResidential

Prayagraj to Conduct Flat Allotment Lottery on August 5

Representative image PRAYAGRAJ: The Prayagraj Development Authority (PDA) is set to conduct a transparent lottery for the allocation of flats in 12 residential schemes throughout various city locales. From June 25 to July 15, online applications were accepted, attracting 154 eligible applicants eager to secure a housing opportunity. The lottery draw is scheduled for August 5, commencing at 11:30 am at the PDA’s Indira Bhawan in Civil Lines. The lottery will be executed openly and fairly, guaranteeing equal chances for all registered applicants. The process will continue until all flats are assigned. Authorities urge all applicants who registered online to…

CommercialLatest Stories

Andhra HC Denies Stay on TCS Land Allotment in Vizag

Representational image VIJAYAWADA: On Wednesday, the high court ruled against halting the land allocation to Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) in Visakhapatnam. The court noted that many states offer land to companies at minimal costs to attract investments, questioning what issue arises if Andhra Pradesh adopts a similar approach. However, the high court indicated that the allotment is contingent upon the final decision regarding the petition. Nakka Nammi Grace, president of the Society for Protection of Civil Property and Environmental Rights in Visakhapatnam, filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL), arguing that the government’s allocation of land to TCS violates APIIC guidelines.…

Latest StoriesRegulatory

SC Seeks Early Hearing on Haryana’s S+4 Policy

GURUGRAM: The Supreme Court has dismissed a special leave petition (SLP) that contested Haryana’s stilt+4 construction policy, permitting the petitioner to seek interim relief from the Punjab and Haryana High Court. This case has generated significant public interest, particularly among residents and civic organizations who have raised concerns about uncontrolled urban expansion and its impact on infrastructure. The petition, submitted by Sunil Singh, challenged the Haryana government’s notification dated July 2, 2024, which authorizes stilt+4 floor constructions on residential plots. Critics argue that these developments further strain the city’s already burdened infrastructure, including water supply, sewage treatment, drainage systems, and…

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Goa CM: New Law to Curb Illegal Home Construction Soon

PORVORIM: Chief Minister Pramod Sawant announced in the assembly on Wednesday that the government will soon introduce legislation to prevent further illegal house constructions. He stated that the state would reopen applications under the current act, allowing locals to legalize their homes built on their own land. In light of a high court ruling on illegal constructions, Sawant emphasized that local authorities have been instructed to take action solely against buildings on land designated for national highways, state highways, or major district roads. He clarified that the court’s ruling on illegal structures pertains only to those specific cases. The Chief…

Latest StoriesResidential

Uttar Pradesh: 1% Stamp Duty Relief for Women Buyers on Homes Up to ₹1 Crore

NOIDA: Women buying properties or land worth up to Rs 1 crore will now receive a 1% stamp duty waiver, following a recent update from the UP cabinet that raised the property cap for the discount from Rs 10 lakh. In Noida and Ghaziabad, stamp duty ranges from 6-7% of the total flat cost, plus an additional 1% processing fee for registration. The updated limit, effective from July 29, allows women to save up to Rs 1 lakh during property registration. Brijesh Kumar from the AIG-2 (stamp department) informed TOI that approximately 30% of properties registered monthly in Noida are…

InfrastructureLatest Stories

Gujarat Plans to Merge Five Towns into Ahmedabad Area

GANDHINAGAR: The state government is considering a plan to expand Ahmedabad by merging five neighboring municipalities into the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC). The municipalities considered for inclusion are Sanand, Mehemdabad, Bareja, Kalol, and Dahegam. The proposal’s timing is crucial, coinciding with the municipal corporation elections scheduled for January 2026. This merger would significantly enhance Ahmedabad’s geographic and demographic scope. “The motivation behind this initiative is to promote coordinated urban development. The selected areas have experienced significant growth, necessitating organized infrastructure planning and essential services. Unifying these regions under a single administrative body could enhance service delivery and infrastructure improvement,” sources…

IndustryLatest Stories

Nashik: Mhada & NMC Simplify Land Transfers for Affordable Homes

NASHIK: The Nashik Municipal Corporation (NMC) and Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (Mhada) have announced progress in addressing the transfer of Developmental Rights (TDR) to developers. This initiative is aimed at promoting affordable housing for lower-income groups and economically weaker sections (EWS). A meeting held on Tuesday evening between NMC and Mhada officials confirmed this development. Shivkumar Awalkanthe, Chief Officer of Nashik Mhada, stated, “The civic administration will provide TDR for the plots given to us, and we will reciprocate for NMC.” Officials from Mhada indicated that builders developing plots exceeding 4,000 sqm are required to allocate 20% of…

Latest StoriesResidential

Gurgaon plans significant increase in circle rates

GURUGRAM: Property prices in Gurugram are poised for a significant increase, with the district administration proposing a rise in circle rates ranging from 8% to 77% for residential areas, and up to 145% for agricultural land. Circle rates represent the minimum price at which land or property can be sold and are legally binding, unlike market rates that fluctuate based on demand and supply. The proposed increases, particularly in premium neighborhoods such as DLF I-V, South City, Suncity, Sushant Lok, and Golf Course Road, are suggested to be around 10-20%. For luxury flats in DLF Aralias, The Magnolias, and Camellias…