Prev Post
How to Calculate ROI Before Buying a PlotPCMCs Demolition Drive Sparks Protests as Town Planning Schemes Loom in Chikhali Kudalwadi
The Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has come under fire from residents after the demolition of over 4,500 unauthorised structures in Chikhali-Kudalwadi. The aggressive drive, carried out as part of the civic body's efforts to reclaim land and initiate organised development, is linked to the launch of proposed Town Planning (TP) schemes in the area.
The PCMC has notified plans for two major TP schemes—one spanning 380 hectares in Chikhali-Kudalwadi and another covering 1,425 hectares in Charholi. These schemes are a part of the city's overall vision for orderly urban development, which seeks to solve the issues created by unorganised development and unauthorised buildings.
But the civic body's action has sparked mass unrest among residents, many of whom say they were not provided with adequate notice or alternative arrangements before their houses and buildings were razed. The situation escalated last week when a group of angry locals staged protests, shouting slogans and burning copies of the notification in a show of defiance.
Residents allege that the TP schemes disproportionately favour builders and developers at the cost of ordinary citizens who have lived in the area for years. The incident underscores the complex challenges that come with urban expansion, balancing civic planning with the rights of those directly affected.
As Pimpri-Chinchwad continues to grow, the success of these TP schemes may depend not just on the plans themselves, but on how well authorities can engage with, reassure, and include the communities they aim to transform.
Source: The Indian Express
Residents Request Halt to PMRDA’s Auction of Amenity Plots, Seek Civic Use
Residents have urged the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) to halt its proposed auction of amenity plots, emphasising that the land should instead be utilised for civic purposes.
The availability of essential community infrastructure, such as parks, schools, health facilities, water systems, and public safety facilities, may be impacted by the sale of these plots, the locals stressed. Amenity plots are designed to satisfy public needs in accordance with regional planning regulations.
PMRDA has planned the auction of 35 amenity plots across various areas in the region, with a combined estimated base value of approximately ₹91 crore. Earnest money deposits for the plots vary according to their size and location.
Officials from PMRDA stated that the auction is being conducted in line with the Unified Development Control and Promotion Regulations (UDCPR). Additionally, they mentioned that some plots are set aside for public buildings like cultural centres and libraries. Similar amenity plot auctions have been held in the area before by PMRDA.
In spite of this, locals insist that these plots are essential for community growth and shouldn't be viewed as extra resources for making money. They have called for these lands to be preserved for civic purposes, citing the need for public infrastructure to support local population growth and development.
Maharashtra to Launch Unified Land Management Platform for Revenue Services
A Unified Land Management Platform (ULMP) will be implemented by the Maharashtra government to expedite land related procedures and revenue services throughout the state. The aim of this digital project is to create a single, easily navigable platform that will house various land records, revenue, and registration services.
Land records, revenue, and registration & stamp duty services are currently handled by different systems that citizens must navigate, which frequently causes delays and confusion. These systems will be integrated by the ULMP, offering a smooth experience for registering heirs, accessing land documents, monitoring application statuses, and getting advice on required paperwork and processes.
The platform, which was created by the National Informatics Centre (NIC), is anticipated to increase efficiency, decrease paperwork, and improve transparency for both citizens and public servants.
With the ULMP, Maharashtra aims to set a benchmark for digital governance by providing a land management service delivery model that is more open, effective, and user friendly for citizens.
Three bungalows near Lonavala, a well-known hill station close to Mumbai, are up for sale, and the RBI has opened bids. The properties have a combined reserve price of ₹6.65 crore, and prospective purchasers must deposit ₹10 lakh as earnest money.
Originally used as vacation rentals for RBI employees, these bungalows are located on more than 3,800 square meters of freehold land. Every bungalow is a ground-plus-one building. The properties are available for inspection by potential purchasers until September 8, 2025, and the deadline for submitting a bid is September 9, 2025.
The sale will be conducted on an “as is, where is” basis, and buyers will be responsible for clearing any pending taxes. Cushman & Wakefield India has been appointed as the property consultant to manage the sealed-bid process.
Lonavala continues to be a preferred destination for second homes, attracting investors from Mumbai, Pune, Gujarat, and NRIs. With prices as high as ₹15,000 per square foot, the area is renowned for its opulent villas and bungalows. Celebrities also favor the area's upscale real estate, underscoring its allure as a posh getaway.
Godrej Properties Acquires 7.8 Acre Land in Hyderabad for ₹547.75 Crore
Through an e-auction, Godrej Properties Ltd (GPL) successfully purchased a 7.825-acre land parcel in Hyderabad for ₹547.75 crore. The Telangana Housing Board carried out the acquisition, and the property was situated in the city's coveted residential district of Kukatpally (KPHB).
The site is ideally situated for high-end residential development due to its excellent road connectivity. Godrej Properties plans to use this property to increase its presence in Hyderabad's burgeoning real estate market.
The auction highlights the rising demand for residential plots in the city, with the land fetching a substantial price reflecting the ongoing upward trend in Hyderabad’s real estate sector. In order to maintain a balance between high-end development and social responsibility, the auction's proceeds will also go toward affordable housing projects funded by state programs.
Through this acquisition, Godrej Properties reaffirms its dedication to building premium residential projects in strategic urban areas and expands its footprint in Hyderabad.
The battle for control of Lavasa Corporation has intensified, with Valor Estates emerging as the top bidder after creditors allowed revised offers and extended the resolution timeline.
In the third round of bidding, Valor Estates offered ₹946 crore (NPV), outpacing rivals. The Welspun–Ashdan consortium followed with a bid of ₹845 crore (NPV), while the Yogayatan Group submitted an updated offer of ₹830 crore (NPV) despite earlier objections to bid revisions.
While Valor holds the highest bid, the Welspun consortium scored strongly on the evaluation matrix due to higher upfront cash, stronger institutional backing, and execution credibility.
The extended timeline has reinvigorated the resolution process, but challenges remain. There may be delays as a result of the Yogayatan Group's petition to the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) challenging the lenders' decision to accept new bids.
Once intended to be India's first planned hill city, Lavasa has long been mired in debt, hampered by regulations, and seen its development stall. Its ownership and chances of revival will be determined by the outcome of this bidding war.