17 Nov 2023

The enforcement wing of the Town and Country Planning Department (DTCP) in Gurugram has taken a proactive approach to penalize developers violating Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) norms. Residents can now use helpline numbers to report any violations, leading to site inspections and appropriate actions. The department has issued challans and warnings to developers, emphasizing adherence to GRAP norms. Penalties are set to be collected before the issuance of occupation certificates, and strict actions are promised against non-compliance. Monitoring teams and field staff have been deployed for continuous site inspections, underscoring the commitment to upholding environmental standards and ensuring sustainable urban development in Gurugram.Read more

16 Nov 2023

The recent USD 400 million policy-based loan deal between the Central Government and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in Manila is a significant step toward enhancing India's urban infrastructure, service delivery, and governance systems. This loan, part of the Sustainable Urban Development and Service Delivery Programme, focuses on supporting investment planning and reform actions at the state and urban local body levels. It aligns with the government's urban sector strategy, emphasizing reforms to create liveable cities that foster economic growth through inclusive, resilient, and sustainable infrastructure. The program aims to support reforms for the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) 2.0, addressing universal access to water supply and sanitation, urban planning, legal and regulatory reforms, and more.Read more

16 Nov 2023

The Charkop lake in Mumbai, once a 4.5-acre wetland, is now reduced to 1,000 sq ft due to alleged collusion between the land mafia and government officials. Encroachers have built garages, go downs, restaurants, and stalls, leading to civic demolitions with limited impact. Activists claim the land mafia, with officials' support, filled the lake with debris. In 2013, the Bombay High Court ordered protection for identified wetland areas, but enforcement remains lax. Residents emphasize the ecological role of the wetland, urging officials to act. Despite ongoing environmental studies and complaints, effective conservation measures are yet to be implemented.Read more

16 Nov 2023

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is cracking down on gold and silver smelting units emitting harmful gases during metal melting in South Mumbai. The move addresses public health threats and extends to foundries in Kurla, aiming to curb poor air quality in neighbourhoods like Chembur and Colaba. The BMC has dismantled chimneys in Kalbadevi and imposed strict regulations on industrial facilities for particulate matter emissions, with non-compliance risking legal action. Stop-work notices and warnings have been issued to ready-mix concrete plants. Civic officials are actively notifying construction sites, aligning with BMC's pollution control guidelines released on October 25.Read more

15 Nov 2023

The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) is collaborating with expert consultants to extend the Versova-Virar Sea Link to Palghar, aiming to alleviate Mumbai's traffic issues. With the assistance of consultants, a detailed project report and peer review are in the works, ensuring the project meets industry standards. Once completed, the extended route will link Nariman Point to Palghar, reducing congestion, fostering tourism, and bolstering the economy. By 2026, it's anticipated to handle 60,000 vehicles daily, marking a significant step towards a more accessible and prosperous Mumbai.Read more

15 Nov 2023

The BMC (Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation) in South Mumbai has terminated its contract with Roadway Solutions India Infra Ltd (RSIIL) due to the contractor's 10-month delay in starting road work. RSIIL now faces a penalty of Rs 52 crores. The decision came after complaints from local officials and politicians about the lack of progress and mismanagement of the road project. This move signifies the BMC's commitment to holding contractors accountable for delays and ensuring the timely completion of infrastructure projects in the region.Read more

14 Nov 2023

Indian real estate developers are embracing the electric vehicle (EV) wave by incorporating EV charging stations in new residential projects. With only 435 EVs per public charger in India, developers like Sobha Ltd and Prestige Group see an opportunity to attract eco-conscious buyers amid a surge in EV sales. The disparity between EVs and public chargers, 2.4% of total vehicle sales being electric in H1 2023, signals a consumer shift. Sobha Ltd's projects in Bengaluru offer EV charging for all parking spots, and other major developers follow suit. As states implement pro-EV measures, this trend not only adds property value but aligns with India's green goals, anticipating over 10 million EVs sold annually by 2030.Read more

14 Nov 2023

Mother Dairy is set to invest Rs 500 crore in establishing a dairy and value-added dairy plant in Nagpur, Maharashtra, as part of its Rs 700 crore capital expenditure plan. The move aims to expand the company's presence beyond North India. The plant will also apply for the production-linked incentive scheme for food processing. It is expected to help Mother Dairy extend its dominance in North India's dairy, edible oil, and frozen vegetable markets while strengthening its position in South India. The company has already expanded its manufacturing capacity and plans to introduce 100 new products over the next three years.Read more

14 Nov 2023

Larsen and Toubro (L&T) subsidiary, L&T Construction, has secured a substantial contract for the Bhogapuram International Airport project in Andhra Pradesh. The greenfield venture, valued between Rs 2,500 to Rs 5,000 crore, will initially handle 6 million passengers per annum, expandable to 12 MPA. Awarded by GMR Visakhapatnam International Airport Limited, the project includes terminal construction, air traffic control tower, runway development, and landside facilities. L&T's expertise in airport construction strengthens its position in the sector and underscores its commitment to enhancing India's aviation infrastructure.Read more

14 Nov 2023

Mira Road's enduring quest for a dedicated court complex, stretching over a decade, is finally approaching fruition. Despite numerous setbacks, including missed deadlines and budget constraints, the community's optimism remains unwavering. Recent inspections of the nearly completed three-story complex offer a ray of hope, with occupancy certificates on the horizon. However, bureaucratic challenges, including pending no-objection certificates and staffing issues, persist. The imminent court operation promises improved access to justice and streamlined legal processes for Mira Road's residents.Read more