IndustryLatest Stories

GVMC Chief Accelerates LRS, TDR, and Building Approvals in Vizag

VISAKHAPATNAM: GVMC commissioner Ketan Garg has emphasized the need for town planning officials to prioritize the timely processing of building permissions, layout regularization scheme (LRS) applications, and transferable development rights (TDR) approvals. He warned that strict disciplinary action would be taken against those who delay official work or participate in corrupt practices. During a review of town planning efforts on Thursday with chief city planner A Prabhakara Rao and other officials, the commissioner expressed concern about delays in processing building permission applications from citizens. He noted that Town Planning officials were taking an excessive amount of time to address these…

IndustryLatest Stories

CREDAI Visakhapatnam Calls for Easier Registration for Housing Projects

Representative AI image VISAKHAPATNAM: CREDAI Visakhapatnam has requested the stamps and registration department to implement a project ID-based framework under CARD 2.0 to enhance the registration process for gated communities and large residential projects. The association submitted a representation to the deputy inspector general of the stamps and registration department, praising the CARD 2.0 initiative for reinforcing digital governance, transparency, and improved public service delivery. However, they noted that the current check slip generation before registration consumes considerable time, particularly for large residential projects, often exceeding 90 minutes. CREDAI pointed out that the repetitive entry of information for each unit,…

Latest StoriesRegulatory

Andhra Pradesh ULBs’ Property Tax Collections Rise 24% to ₹1,010 Cr

AMARAVATI: Andhra Pradesh’s Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) have raised over Rs 1,010.7 crore in property tax for April, including arrears and penalties, showing a 24.1% increase from the Rs 814.1 crore collected during the same month last year, according to a top official’s statement on Sunday. The increase is attributed to a comprehensive revenue strategy that incorporates Geographic Information System (GIS)-based property mapping, drone surveys, digital dashboards, and app-based payments, as stated by Municipal Administration and Urban Development Principal Secretary S. Suresh Kumar. “In April, property tax collections exceeded Rs 1,010 crore, including arrears and penalties, marking over a 24%…

Latest StoriesRegulatory

Visakhapatnam Civic Body Gathers ₹230 Crore in April Tax

VISAKHAPATNAM: The Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) has reported a collection of Rs 230 crore in property and vacant land taxes for April, marking a more than 50% increase from the Rs 164 crore collected during the same period last year. The increase can be attributed to GVMC’s extensive efforts in tax collection and awareness initiatives, as well as a 5% tax rebate offered under an early bird incentive. Additionally, the Andhra Pradesh government provided a final opportunity for property owners to clear their taxes. According to GVMC deputy commissioner (revenue) S Srinivasa Rao, the government permitted property taxpayers to…

IndustryLatest Stories

AP Government Provides 50% VLT Relief to Stimulate Construction

VIJAYAWADA: In a notable policy shift aimed at alleviating the financial burden on property owners while boosting construction activity, the state government has decided to implement a 50% discount on vacant land tax during the construction process. This change was made in accordance with recent amendments to the existing legislation approved by the state assembly. According to the updated provisions, property owners engaged in construction will now only need to pay half of the vacant land tax during the construction period, effective from the start of construction until the occupancy certificate is issued. Officials believe this move will encourage timely…

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AP government accelerates LRS clearances before April 23 deadline

Representative AI image VIJAYAWADA: As the deadline for the Layout Regularisation Scheme (LRS) approaches next week, the state government is increasing efforts to boost revenue by accelerating the processing of outstanding applications in urban local bodies. Municipal Administration and Urban Development Minister P. Narayana conducted a review with town planning officials and municipal commissioners via teleconference, urging them to immediately process all eligible applications. He emphasized that undue delays not only inconvenience applicants but also hamper the state’s revenue collection efforts. The minister stated that town planning officials and commissioners would be held accountable for any lapses in application processing.…

InfrastructureLatest Stories

GVMC Launches Citywide Slum Survey in Visakhapatnam

VISAKHAPATNAM: The Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) has initiated an extensive survey of 66 slums throughout the city to evaluate housing, infrastructure, and amenities. According to the survey results, slums that have reached a certain developmental threshold will be denotified, while others will be redeveloped through a public-private partnership (PPP) model. This initiative is part of a larger plan under NITI Aayog’s Vizag Growth Hub aimed at enhancing the Visakhapatnam Economic Region. Two slums—Velampeta and Indira Nagar—have already been earmarked for redevelopment under the PPP model, with tenders currently issued. The GVMC also intends to amend the Municipal Corporation Act…

Latest StoriesResidential

MoU to Provide Energy-Efficient Appliances to 500K PMAY Homes in AP

VISAKHAPATNAM: Marking a significant milestone in energy efficiency under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), the Andhra Pradesh State Housing Corporation Limited (APSHCL) has partnered with EESL and AP SEEDCO to create a tripartite MoU aimed at providing energy-efficient, star-rated appliances to five lakh beneficiaries during the first phase. The MoU was initially signed at India Energy Week (IEW) 2026 in Goa and was formally exchanged on Monday in Naidupeta, attended by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, Housing Minister K Parthasarathy, and Municipal and Urban Development Minister K Narayana. Senior officials, including Special Chief Secretary (Housing) Ajay Jain,…

Latest StoriesRegulatory

Visakhapatnam collects ₹620 crore in property tax for FY26

VISAKHAPATNAM: The Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) has successfully collected ₹620 crore in property and vacant land taxes for the fiscal year 2025-26, representing a significant increase of nearly 22% from the previous year’s collection of ₹510 crore. This growth can largely be attributed to the expansion of the tax base and concentrated efforts on assessing vacant land, resulting in an additional ₹110 crore compared to the previous year. Remarkably, April and December 2025 emerged as particularly strong months, adding an extra ₹65 crore compared to the same months in 2024. For instance, collections for April surged from ₹132.11 crore…

Latest StoriesRegulatory

Andhra Pradesh Cabinet Approves Amaravati Capital Resolution Draft

VIJAYAWADA: On Thursday, the Andhra Pradesh cabinet approved a draft resolution set to be presented in a special assembly session on Saturday concerning Amaravati, the state capital. This resolution seeks to urge the Union government to amend the Andhra Pradesh State Reorganisation Act (APSR) 2014 to designate Amaravati as the official capital. The proposed resolution aims to modify Section 5(2) of APSRA by substituting the phrase “there shall be a new capital for the state of Andhra Pradesh” with “the new capital for the state of Andhra Pradesh shall be Amaravati.” The amendment will also define Amaravati in the explanatory…