IndustryLatest Stories

Karnataka Revises Setback Rules for Bengaluru Buildings

BENGALURU: In a significant development for future construction in the tech capital, the state government has amended the zonal regulations under the Revised Master Plan (RMP) 2015. Effective from August 1, this amendment introduces clear and updated setback norms for buildings, particularly those exceeding 12 meters in height. The term “setback” refers to the minimum open space required between a building and its property boundary. This has long been a contentious issue in urban planning within the city, where rapid vertical expansion has often outpaced regulatory guidelines. The new rules aim to clarify setback requirements based on building height and…

InfrastructureLatest Stories

Centre Seeks Nod for Drone Mapping in 353 Karnataka Villages

Representative image created by AI BEGNALURU: The state government is making significant strides to expedite property surveys through the Centre’s SVAMITVA scheme, seeking approval from the Union Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) to operate drones over 353 red zone villages. These villages are close to sensitive locations such as airports, military bases, and other high-security areas, requiring prior clearance for drone operations. This initiative is part of a broader plan to complete aerial surveys in all 30,715 villages by March 2026, aiming to establish legal ownership records and address rural land disputes. Union Panchayat Raj Minister SP Singh Baghel recently…

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Karnataka to Develop Policies Supporting Real Estate Sector

AI generated image for representation purposes. BENGALURU: The Karnataka government is dedicated to fostering a policy environment that bolsters the real estate sector, as stated by a senior official on Thursday. Karnataka Urban Development Department Additional Chief Secretary Tushar Giri Nath delivered the keynote at the second CII Karnataka Real Estate Conference here. “To develop Tier 2 and 3 cities as future growth engines, a robust transportation network, integrated urban planning, and aligned policy frameworks are vital,” he noted. Nath emphasized that as Karnataka experiences swift urbanization, it is essential to ensure that growth remains inclusive and carefully planned. “We…

Latest StoriesRegulatory

Karnataka to Charge for Groundwater; Meters Required for All

BENGALURU: In a significant effort to manage groundwater resources and promote sustainability, the state government has introduced fees ranging from Re 1 to Rs 35 per cubic metre for various users of groundwater, including individuals, housing societies, commercial establishments, industries, and mining operations throughout the state. The fees will affect all types of residential complexes, group housing societies, as well as government bodies providing water in urban settings. Commercial entities and mining operations will also be subject to these new regulations. Moreover, the government has mandated that all residential and commercial property owners secure a no-objection certificate (NOC) prior to…

InfrastructureLatest Stories

Karnataka CM Halts Land Acquisition for Aerospace Park

The Chief Minister of Karnataka, Siddaramaiah, announced on Tuesday that the government will not proceed with plans to acquire land near Bengaluru’s international airport for an aerospace park, effectively putting an end to a three-year-long protest by farmers. Farmers from several villages in Devanahalli taluk have been demonstrating against the acquisition of their agricultural lands for industrial development. After extensive discussions with farmer leaders, the CM mentioned that the government is open to purchasing land from farmers willing to sell, offering higher compensation than the market value or a greater share of developed land as trade. Officials stated that these…

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Karnataka Urban Development: Hope for B Khata Property Owners

BENGALURU: Good news for B khata property owners awaiting building plans, Cauvery water connections, and electricity supply. Dr. Rajendra Prasad, the Deputy Chief Minister’s personal secretary, has reached out to the Additional Chief Secretary of the Urban Development Department to address the concerns of over 150,000 property owners affected by the Supreme Court’s ruling on illegal constructions. This initiative stems from a letter by former BJP Bengaluru South president NR Ramesh. He highlighted, “Most buildings are constructed on B khata properties. In the interest of property owners, a plan should be devised to sanction building plans for these properties, possibly…

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Karnataka’s New Cell to Recover Builder Dues

BENGALURU: Homebuyers in Bengaluru and other parts of Karnataka can finally see some hope as the government is taking action against non-compliant builders. A dedicated ‘Recovery Cell’ is nearing establishment to ensure that real estate developers who fail to adhere to Karnataka Real Estate Regulatory Authority (K-Rera) orders regarding buyer compensation are held accountable. This step comes after prolonged frustrations faced by homebuyers who didn’t receive property ownership or compensation, despite clear orders from K-Rera. Rera chairman Rakesh Singh informed TOI that most groundwork has been done, and a final decision regarding whether the cell will operate under Rera or…

IndustryLatest Stories

Karnataka’s New Apartment Law Draft Almost Complete

BENGALURU: The Karnataka government has announced progress on the long-awaited draft of a new apartment act, aimed at resolving the legal ambiguity surrounding ownership, maintenance, and land rights for thousands of apartment residents. The urban development department stated that the draft—which has been developed in collaboration with apartment associations, legal experts, and stakeholders—will soon be forwarded to ministers for approval. Tushar Giri Nath, additional chief secretary of the department, remarked, “The draft is nearly complete. We’ve conducted meetings and gathered feedback from the law department and apartment owners. We’re now adding the final touches before presenting it to the ministers.…

Latest StoriesResidential

Karnataka Homebuyers Urge Action on Property Delays

BENGALURU: The Karnataka Home Buyers Forum has presented a memorandum to Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh, urging the state government to address long-standing issues that impact countless homeowners, particularly concerning ownership rights and regulatory gaps. “We want to highlight that homebuyers in Karnataka face significant challenges in asserting their ownership rights,” reads the memorandum. The forum detailed key obstacles and proposed solutions for the Chief Secretary’s consideration, advocating for the interests of millions affected. One major issue raised is the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike’s (BBMP) failure to update khata mutation records for apartment owners. Despite having registered their flats, many owners…