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What New Investors Must Know Before Buying Plots in KarnatakaThe Pune Land Records Department (in Maharashtra) has decided to cancel nearly 700 land-measurement maps.
These maps were originally made using the old “vahivat” (customary) method.
What Is “Vahivat” — And Why It Matters
“Vahivat” refers to a traditional or customary method used for measuring and recording land parcels.
For decades this method was used across many parts of Pune and its surrounding areas.
But from February 2025 onwards, following an order from the settlement authority, the “vahivat” method was officially discontinued.
Because of this change, all properties previously measured using “vahivat” now need re-measurement under the updated, legally recognised survey procedures.
Who Was Asked to Act — And Who Didn’t
The department identified around 1,400 land parcels that were recorded using the old method (vahivat).
In September 2025, notices were issued to these landowners asking them to regularise their boundaries via proper re-survey under the new system.
About half of them — ~700 owners — complied and got their land re-measured as required.
The remaining ~700 did not respond or complete the process. Their old maps will now be cancelled.
What the New Rules Require
Under the updated land-record regime:
- Land measurement must follow a formal, legally valid survey procedure — the old customary method is no longer acceptable.
- In cases where land has multiple co-owners, consent from all owners is mandatory for the new survey.
- The survey must be supported by a “temporary layout approval” from the relevant municipal or development authority, ensuring only sanctioned surveys are accepted.
- These reforms aim to make land records more transparent, accurate and legally defensible.
What Does This Mean for Landowners & Buyers
If your old “vahivat” map gets cancelled and you don’t get a fresh survey done, your land boundaries may no longer be legally recognised. That could create problems later — for selling, transferring, or developing the land.
For buyers or developers, it becomes crucial to check that the land has a valid, updated survey under the new system — and not rely on old customary maps.
The change also reduces chances of fraud, illegal transfers or boundary disputes, because the new method ensures clear, verified records.
Bigger Push Toward Digital, Transparent Land Records in Pune
Apart from cancelling old maps, the authorities are moving many land-record tasks online — for example, corrections to 7/12 extracts (essential land ownership documents) must now be done only through digital processes.
Offline/manual edits to records — which earlier enabled misuse, such as unauthorised name changes, incorrect area data, or even illegal transfers — are no longer valid.
The overall aim is to bring transparency, accountability and accuracy to land administration in the region.
CM Devendra Fadnavis suspends the ₹750-crore TDR proposal for Janata Vasahat Land in Pune and orders an investigation.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has ordered an inquiry and suspended the ₹750-crore Transferable Development Rights (TDR) proposal concerning Janata Vasahat land in Pune.
The move follows a complaint by Minister of State Madhuri Misal, pointing out major irregularities in the SRA compensation process. Fadnavis has directed the Additional Chief Secretary of the Housing Department to conduct a probe into the matter in detail.
The SRA had proposed a one-time TDR to a private developer for more than 40 acres of land in exchange for the Janata Vasahat slum. However, there were discrepancies in the valuation: while the proposal estimated the land value at ₹750 crore, its official reassessment pegged it around ₹109 crore.
Officials said that the authorities misused the earlier land records and ready reckoner rates in making the inflated compensation calculation. The court has stayed all the proceedings with regard to the proposal pending an inquiry.
Madhuri Misal, confirming the decision of the Chief Minister, said the action would ensure transparency in the redevelopment process for Janata Vasahat and safeguard public resources.
Maharashtra Govt Rejects Lease Renewal of Jeejeebhoy Trust Land in Mumbai
The Jeejeebhoy Trust's land lease for two plots in the Mazgaon neighbourhood of Mumbai has not been renewed by the Maharashtra government. The state revenue department made the decision in response to anomalies in the lease renewal payment procedure.
According to officials, the trust held leasehold rights over two government-owned plots — one measuring about 725.76 square metres and another approximately 9,154.10 square metres. The renewal payment was allegedly made into government accounts by Ekya Realty Pvt Ltd, a private company, instead of the trust.
Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule ordered that the amount deposited irregularly by the trust or the developer be refunded immediately. He stated that if the trust submits a fresh lease renewal application, it will be reviewed as per government policy.
Earlier, a government resolution dated September 24, 2025, had allowed for the refund and permitted renewal, and the refund process is already underway.
Shiv Sena (UBT) MLC Sachin Ahir raised the issue, alleging that certain business entities were attempting to acquire the government land under the pretext of the trust. He demanded that the state take possession of the properties, auction them, and decide on their future development.
Zepto's "10-Minute Land" Offer: A Blend of Real Estate and Fast Commerce
India’s quick-commerce pioneer Zepto has taken its “10-minute delivery” model far beyond groceries — into real estate. The company recently announced a partnership with The House of Abhinandan Lodha (HoABL) to allow users to browse and book plots of land via the Zepto app, promising the entire process can be completed in about ten minutes.
This campaign, launched around Janmashtami, marks a bold step in redefining how fast high-value purchases can happen in India’s digital ecosystem.
How Does the “10-Minute Land” Model Work?
The process is designed to mimic Zepto’s signature delivery experience — but for land:
- Users open the Zepto app and search for “land.”
- Listings from HoABL projects appear, showing plot locations and pricing.
- Interested buyers can reserve their chosen land by paying a token amount online.
Within minutes, confirmation and documentation follow through secure digital channels.
While this doesn’t mean the entire property transaction is completed in ten minutes, the initial booking and reservation process is now lightning-fast — a symbolic nod to Zepto’s identity.
Why Is Zepto Entering Real Estate?
- Brand Expansion Beyond Groceries: Zepto wants to stand out in the rapidly changing quick-commerce market by focusing on high-value, experience-driven industries.
- Appeal to Millennial Investors: Younger consumers are more receptive to digital-first investments, including real estate, because they are accustomed to instant gratification.
- Marketing Innovation: The “10-minute land” tagline has generated massive buzz, aligning Zepto with speed, innovation, and convenience in every sphere.
The Challenge of Fast-Tracking Real Estate
Buying land isn’t as simple as ordering groceries — and that’s where the complexity lies.
- Regulatory obstacles:Title checks, verification, and documentation are necessary for real estate transactions and cannot be omitted.
- Risks to transparency:Traditional procedures are still required for the legal completion process, even though Zepto's platform may manage discovery and token payments.
- Scalability issues: At the moment, this service is only available for a few HoABL projects in areas like Vrindavan and Neral; the viability of extending to additional cities will rely on regulatory considerations.
Mahindra Lifespace Acquires 13.46-Acre Land Parcel in Pune for ₹3,500 Crore Housing Project
In order to build a massive residential project with an estimated GDV gross development value of ₹3,500 crore, Mahindra Lifespace Developers Ltd., the real estate and infrastructure development division of the Mahindra Group, has acquired a 13.46-acre plot of land in Pune.
The new land is located in Nande–Mahalunge, one of Pune’s most promising growth corridors connecting Hinjewadi, Baner, and Balewadi. The acquisition reinforces Mahindra Lifespace’s focus on expanding its footprint in high-demand urban micro-markets with strong infrastructure potential.
A Strategic Location in Pune’s Western Corridor
The Nande–Mahalunge area has rapidly emerged as a real-estate hotspot in recent years, thanks to its proximity to key employment hubs such as Hinjewadi IT Park, Baner, and Balewadi High Street. It is also part of the PMRDA Town Planning Scheme, which will further enhance road networks and civic infrastructure.
Mahindra Lifespace’s new project will benefit from these infrastructural developments, offering easy access to the Mumbai–Bengaluru Expressway, Pune Metro, and proposed ring road connectivity, making it a well-connected and desirable address for future homebuyers.
₹3,500 Crore Project with Premium Residential Focus
Industry estimates suggest the development could include a mix of 2, 3 and 4 BHK configurations, following Mahindra Lifespace’s consistent approach of integrating sustainability, open spaces, and green architecture in all its projects.
A GDV of ₹3,500 crore places this among the company’s largest projects in western India, signalling strong confidence in Pune’s luxury housing demand.
The soon-to-be-completed joint survey work of the proposed Purandar Greenfield International Airport near Pune is a significant milestone toward the completion of the much-awaited project.
The government of Maharashtra wants to finish land acquisition by the end of this year, and construction tenders are likely to be invited in the first quarter of 2026. The airport is expected to be about 40 km away from Pune city and will have two parallel runways, each measuring 4,000 x 60 meters, and will be able to accommodate 75 million passengers annually. Once up and running, it is anticipated that it will cater to Pune along with western and central Maharashtra, greatly enhancing regional connectivity and economic development.
The concurrent measurement process spans seven villages reserved for the airport area: Kumbharvalan, Pargaon Memane, Khanwadi, Ekhatpur, Rajewadi, Munjwadi, and Udachiwadi. MADC officials and the district administration have been observing the process carefully in order to maintain transparency and coordination with the local villagers.
The government has noted that the compensation and rehabilitation process would be done in a fair and transparent manner to address farmers' concerns as well as ensure hassle-free implementation of the project.