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Legal & Land-Use Pitfalls When Buying Plots in Konkan — What You Must KnowViral Highway Map Between Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and Pune Sparks Land Purchase Controversy
A leaked map of a proposed new highway between Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, formerly Aurangabad, and Pune has set off a wave of speculation, real-estate activity and outrage among farmers. Before the government made any announcement officially, the leaked map went viral on social media and stirred controversy over land deals apparently operated by those with insider information.
Unreleased Map Triggers Real-Estate Rush
The viral map purportedly shows the alignment of a yet-to-be-announced highway project. Local reports say there has been a sudden rush in buying plots of land along the supposed alignment since its circulation. Local property agents and investors have been actively acquiring land parcels in anticipation of a massive increase in land value once the highway project is officially declared.
In the meantime, many farmers, unaware of their ancestral lands falling under the scope of the project, have begun selling at relatively low prices — a move likely to result in major financial losses in case the highway indeed passes through their region.
Questions Over the Leak
Sources say that only three government agencies — the surveying agency, the concerned state department, and NHAI — had access to the route map. The fact that this map has surfaced in the open market raises many questions on how this sensitive piece of information was leaked and who benefits from it.
The leak has sparked calls by local activists and opposition politicians for an investigation.
Farmers Demand Transparency
Farmers' associations have been pressing the government to make the compensation policy clear and publish the official highway alignment as soon as possible. They said the absence of such information makes for a selective playing field where only those with access to insider details can gain.
"Ordinary farmers are selling their land in good faith, without knowing that within months, the value of the land would increase. This is exploitation in plain sight," said a local farmers' union representative.
Authorities Under Pressure
Officials have not confirmed whether this viral map is indeed the actual alignment of the proposed highway. It is believed, however, that the MSIDC is working on a preliminary survey for the project. Senior government sources say no official route has been decided upon yet, and public notification would follow only after technical and environmental clearances.
Despite these assurances, speculative buying is unabated, and land prices in some talukas between Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and Pune have witnessed steep hikes.
Call for Accountability
Opposition leaders and civic activists are demanding that the state government order an investigation into the leak to identify the culprits and protect farmers from being short-changed. Experts say if the issue is not addressed promptly, it may shake the confidence of the public in any future infrastructure projects. The leaked map, meanwhile, has turned the still-unannounced highway into a flashpoint of land speculation, political blame, and rural anxiety — well before asphalt has even been laid.
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.
Shendra Bidkin Industrial Area Approves New Land Allotments, Driving Growth and Jobs
The Shendra-Bidkin Industrial Area, part of the Aurangabad Industrial City (AURIC), has approved new land allotments that are set to boost industrial development, attract fresh investments, and generate employment opportunities in the region.
The latest approvals are expected to bring in investments of over ₹200 crore while creating nearly 1,000 new jobs. The projects span across sectors such as food processing, paper products, engineering, electronics, and metal casting—reflecting the area’s appeal to a diverse mix of industries.
Authorities evaluated proposals based on parameters like feasibility, land requirements, turnover, and expansion potential before granting allotments under priority and expansion categories. This open strategy guarantees that initiatives that support industrial diversification and sustainable growth receive the funding they require.
As the first greenfield smart industrial city in India, AURIC is enhancing its standing as a centre for contemporary, environmentally responsible, and carefully thought-out industrial development. The latest round of allotments further positions Shendra-Bidkin as a catalyst for regional economic growth, sustainability, and job creation.