21 Oct 2023

Agra, home to the iconic Taj Mahal, is grappling with a concerning issue – 470 illegal structures, comprising restaurants, cafes, and emporiums, have mushroomed within a restricted 500-meter radius of the monument. These encroachments, some standing for decades, threaten the Taj Mahal's historical integrity and allure, drawing millions of tourists each year as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has taken steps by filing FIRs, but local authorities have been slow to act. Allegations of collusion between these illegal businesses and authorities raise questions about the commitment to preserving India's cultural heritage. Hopefully, recent promises of swift action will translate into concrete measures to safeguard these architectural marvels for future generations.Read more

18 Aug 2023

The Prayagraj Municipal Corporation (PMC) has replaced the Geographical Information Survey (GIS) for house area calculations with self-assessment forms. Property owners can now evaluate their own properties for tax assessment. The PMC initiated self-assessment for house tax calculation, with detailed forms available at zonal offices and PMC campus. Owners must provide accurate details including property type, area measurements, and occupancy status. Failure to provide accurate information may lead to penalties. Local corporators will aid in the process, and forms must be submitted by October 31, 2023. The change aims to streamline taxation and enhance accuracy.Read more

25 Jul 2023

RLDA invites bids for residential development on a 90,304 sqm railway land in Belanganj, Agra. The 99-year lease awaits visionary developers to shape the city's skyline. The pre-bid meeting saw participation from local and national developers, sparking creativity. The prime location near iconic landmarks enhances the land's allure. With a reserved price of Rs 213 crore, the canvas awaits transformative innovation. The last date for e-Bid submissions is August 3, 2023.Read more

22 Jul 2023

The Yamuna River's swelling waters threatened the world-renowned Taj Mahal on July 17, as the water level reached its walls. However, officials from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) reassured the public that the monument's design would prevent water from seeping into its main structure. The architectural ingenuity of the Taj Mahal ensures that water cannot enter the main mausoleum even during high floods. In response to a previous flood incident in 1978, which caused damage to the monument, ASI implemented measures to prevent water intrusion. Fortunately, the current flood situation did not result in any water damage to the Taj Mahal's interior, thanks to its unique features and the surrounding garden acting as a buffer zone.Read more

PNT Reporter

14 Jun 2023

The Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA) has questioned Jaiprakash Associates Ltd's (JAL) plan to settle dues and reclaim 1,000 hectares of land. JAL proposed selling land to raise funds, but YEIDA raised concerns about the land being mortgaged. Discrepancies exist regarding the outstanding amount, with YEIDA claiming Rs 3,621 crore while JAL insists on Rs 1,483 crore. The next court hearing is scheduled for July 13, where JAL must address the land encumbrance. The resolution will determine the fate of the Sports City project on the Yamuna Expressway.Read more

PNT Reporter

17 May 2023

The Prayagraj Municipal Corporation has recently expanded its jurisdiction to include 20 new localities, resulting in the incorporation of these areas into the official records of the PMC. With the addition of these localities, the municipal corporation now has a total of 100 wards. Efforts are being made to ensure that properties in the newly created wards comply with PMC's house tax regulations. A GIS-powered study is also underway to provide precise data for the newly incorporated wards.Read more

PNT Reporter

10 May 2023

The Allahabad High Court has directed the Noida Authority to maintain status quo on its order of demolishing farmhouses on the Yamuna floodplain. The directive was issued in response to a petition filed by a farmhouse owner, Ratna Mitra, whose objections were rejected by the authority. Mitra's legal team contended that the authority did not have the necessary jurisdiction to order the demolitions, especially in the absence of floodplain demarcation. The court has directed the authority and National Mission for Clean Ganga to file counter affidavits and listed the case for the next hearing on July 2, 2023.Read more

PNT Reporter

11 Apr 2023

Many shopping and commercial complexes in Prayagraj have neglected electrical safety audits and No Objection Certificates (NOCs). The recent fire at the Nehru complex highlighted this oversight, prompting fire department officials to call for urgent safety audits, upgraded fire safety systems, and wiring replacements. A recent survey found that over 60% of shops lack adequate fire-fighting arrangements or knowledge of precautions. Authorities must enforce safety regulations and raise awareness to prevent future incidents and ensure public safety.Read more

01 Jan 1970

The Prayagraj Municipal Corporation (PMC) is preparing to launch a redevelopment initiative across 88 vacant and fenced plots located in localities such as Naini, Jhunsi, Phaphamau, Bamrauli, and Jhalwa. The plan involves constructing multi-storey buildings with commercial shops on the ground and first floors and residential flats above, aiming to boost the city's income while addressing the growing issue of illegal encroachments. Encroached municipal land especially in Kareli, Daraganj, Rasulabad and other densely populated areas is also set to be reclaimed. The civic body will soon present a detailed land inventory for formal approval before initiating construction and legal proceedings.Read more

01 Jan 1970

The Prayagraj Municipal Corporation (PMC) is preparing to launch a redevelopment initiative across 88 vacant and fenced plots located in localities such as Naini, Jhunsi, Phaphamau, Bamrauli, and Jhalwa. The plan involves constructing multi-storey buildings with commercial shops on the ground and first floors and residential flats above, aiming to boost the city's income while addressing the growing issue of illegal encroachments. Encroached municipal land especially in Kareli, Daraganj, Rasulabad and other densely populated areas is also set to be reclaimed. The civic body will soon present a detailed land inventory for formal approval before initiating construction and legal proceedings.Read more