MahaRERA Orders Godrej to Refund Buyers in Chembur Project
Odisha Clears 43 New PMAY Housing Projects
Odisha government has given state-level clearance to 43 housing proposals under the beneficiary-led construction model of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) Urban 2.0 scheme. These projects aim to provide 3,949 new homes across 42 urban local bodies, with a total investment pegged at ₹256 crore.
This latest approval signals Odisha’s renewed commitment to bridging the urban housing gap for economically weaker sections (EWS) by enabling home ownership in a participatory and self-driven manner. The funding structure of the projects underscores a collaborative financial model, where the Central government will contribute ₹59 crore, the state government ₹39 crore, and the beneficiaries themselves will collectively invest ₹157 crore—approximately ₹4 lakh per household. The approved housing units fall under the Beneficiary-Led Construction (BLC) vertical of PMAY-Urban, which facilitates the construction or enhancement of homes by eligible families on their own land. The scheme targets households from vulnerable economic backgrounds and encourages participation in the home-building process, with technical and financial support from authorities.
According to officials from the state housing and urban development department, the sanctioned projects will be executed only after the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) provides final clearance and releases the central share of funds. Urban local bodies have been instructed to begin on-ground mobilisation and beneficiary outreach programmes. The distribution of housing units is spread widely across Odisha, ensuring equity in housing access across district and sub-district urban centres. Among key urban regions, the capital city Bhubaneswar will have 44 new homes, while Puri will develop 115 units. Khurda and Cuttack will add 26 and 41 units respectively.
Bhuban, a municipality in Dhenkanal district, will witness the highest number of dwelling units at 663. Bhadrak will receive 579 units, Basudevpur 270, Chandbali 220, and Sambalpur 219. Additional beneficiaries include Athagarh with 175 units, Jajpur with 137, Khariar in Nuapada with 119, and Polasara in Ganjam district with 102 housing units. Senior officials noted that the project proposals were reviewed and approved by the State-Level Sanctioning and Monitoring Committee. The greenlight for implementation comes amid national efforts to integrate housing development with sustainability goals and climate-resilient planning.
In alignment with the government’s broader urbanisation vision, the PMAY 2.0 initiative in Odisha is being linked with environmentally responsible design practices. Local bodies have been advised to promote the use of low-carbon building materials, water-efficient plumbing, and passive ventilation techniques during construction. Technical support cells at the municipal level are being activated to ensure that each beneficiary home meets minimum environmental, safety, and structural benchmarks. Furthermore, urban planners emphasise that housing under PMAY is not merely a social welfare scheme but a critical catalyst for urban resilience and sustainability. By promoting in-situ development and reducing the need for mass relocation, the beneficiary-led model minimises environmental disruption and fosters continuity in community networks.
Experts highlight that the tripartite funding model also ensures deeper accountability and efficiency. When beneficiaries co-invest in their housing, they are more likely to be involved in the monitoring and quality assurance of construction. Moreover, it fosters a sense of ownership that has long-term socio-economic value for marginalised families. However, concerns have been raised regarding affordability, as the ₹4 lakh beneficiary share may be prohibitive for some EWS families. Urban development experts have suggested supplementary financial mechanisms such as interest-free loans, staggered payment plans, or convergence with credit-linked subsidy schemes to widen access. Additionally, civil society and local cooperative banks could play a role in financial literacy and bridge funding.
On the governance side, urban local bodies have been tasked with rigorous beneficiary identification, transparent documentation, and grievance redressal. Official communication has underscored the need to sensitise eligible families and ensure that no household is left behind due to procedural gaps or lack of awareness. From a social equity perspective, PMAY guidelines recommend joint ownership of property by male and female heads of households, which promotes gender inclusivity in asset holding. Officials have reiterated their commitment to ensuring that this directive is followed uniformly across projects, thereby advancing women’s economic security in urban spaces.
As Odisha progresses toward the realisation of these 3,949 housing units, the state’s model could serve as a benchmark for how decentralised, eco-friendly, and participatory housing strategies can be harmonised with national development goals. If implemented efficiently, this phase of PMAY could reinforce the vision of equitable urban India—where every citizen has a right to sustainable shelter, civic dignity, and spatial inclusion. The coming months will test the readiness of municipal systems, financing networks, and construction logistics. Yet, with the right combination of policy oversight, citizen participation, and technological intervention, Odisha’s approach may provide a compelling case study in how to build cities that are humane, green, and future-ready.
Odisha Clears 43 New PMAY Housing Projects
Actor Jaideep Ahlawat Buys Second Flat in Andheri for Rs 10 Crore
Bollywood actor Jaideep Ahlawat has deepened his roots in Mumbai’s high-end real estate market with the purchase of a second luxury apartment in Andheri West. This latest acquisition—worth ₹10 crore—mirrors his earlier purchase in May, bringing his total residential investment in the same upscale building to ₹20 crore within a month.
According to property registration records accessed by industry experts, Ahlawat’s latest purchase is a high-floor apartment in Poorna Apartments, a well-located premium tower in the Andheri West neighbourhood. The property spans a carpet area of approximately 1,950 square feet (181 sq. m.) and a built-up area of 2,341 square feet (217.47 sq. m.), identical in specification to the apartment he acquired in May, which is one floor below. Registered on June 12, the transaction also includes two designated car parking spaces. The deal attracted a stamp duty of ₹60 lakh and registration charges of ₹30,000. This mirrors the costs associated with the May purchase, which included four parking spots, signalling consistent pricing across the residential complex.
Jaideep Ahlawat—known for his gritty performances in films like Raazi and Raees, and his breakout role in the critically acclaimed series Paatal Lok—has steadily risen in both fame and financial strength. His recent work, including Jewel Thief released on a leading streaming platform in 2025, has further enhanced his stature in the industry. Real estate professionals note that his investment strategy appears aimed at consolidating assets in a fast-appreciating micro-market. Andheri West has become one of Mumbai’s most sought-after mixed-use localities, thanks to robust infrastructure, reliable metro connectivity via the Versova-Andheri-Ghatkopar Metro line, and proximity to business hubs, studios, and entertainment centres. Experts from property consultancies highlight that the neighbourhood has transformed into a “live-work-play” district, offering value for celebrities and professionals alike seeking convenience, lifestyle, and long-term asset appreciation.
An official with knowledge of the deal confirmed that both apartments were purchased from the same seller family, which is seen as a common practice in premium vertical housing investments where owning multiple units provides added privacy and flexibility. “Acquiring two contiguous floors or similar-sized flats in a premium tower gives high-profile buyers room to create either a mega-apartment or maintain one for personal use and another for extended family or rental income,” said a Mumbai-based real estate expert. Market analysts suggest that such strategic purchases also serve as a hedge against inflation, particularly as Mumbai’s real estate market continues to show resilience amid broader economic headwinds. The average price range in Andheri West currently floats between ₹47,000 to ₹49,000 per square foot, placing Ahlawat’s transaction at par with prevailing market rates.
From a sustainability perspective, this neighbourhood’s focus on walkability, public transport connectivity, and a mix of residential-commercial zoning reduces dependency on private vehicles—aligning with low-emission urban living goals. Moreover, proximity to workspaces and creative studios makes Andheri West an ideal base for film and media professionals. However, urban planners caution that celebrity-led purchases may further elevate already rising property prices in core areas, potentially affecting housing accessibility for the mid-income segment. Despite this, the demand for luxury homes in Mumbai remains robust, especially from buyers in the entertainment, technology, and startup sectors.
Ahlawat’s dual purchase follows a broader trend among film and television personalities acquiring multiple premium homes within the same development. This often serves to future-proof their living requirements, enhance privacy, and build wealth through high-value residential holdings. The actor, who has often described Mumbai as the city that shaped his career, appears to be making long-term plans that anchor both his personal and professional life in the heart of India’s entertainment capital. These investments also reflect a broader generational shift in how younger Bollywood stars approach wealth management—combining visibility, liquidity, and legacy planning within high-performing real estate portfolios.
Earlier this year, Ahlawat was reported to have purchased a luxury SUV worth over ₹1.3 crore, underscoring a broader lifestyle upgrade that coincides with his rising professional trajectory. Yet, despite the glitz of high-value purchases, his choices appear deliberate, well-informed, and grounded in the city’s most stable real estate segments. Jaideep Ahlawat’s back-to-back apartment acquisitions in Andheri West serve not just as markers of success but as emblematic of how the modern Indian celebrity increasingly participates in Mumbai’s real estate market—not just as a homeowner, but as a strategic investor.
Actor Jaideep Ahlawat Buys Second Flat in Andheri for Rs 10 Crore
HYDRAA Flags Flood Risk from Illegal Real Estate
As Hyderabad prepares for a vigorous monsoon, the city’s development authority HYDRAA has raised a red flag over properties built on stormwater drains, lake buffer zones, and tampered layouts. With over 40 complaints recorded in a recent public redressal drive, officials are warning homebuyers to verify land records carefully before investing.
According to officials, most complaints centre around illegal encroachments on nalas—natural stormwater drains—across neighbourhoods like Malkajgiri, Bachupally, Madhapur, and Padmarao Nagar. Many of these nalas have been blocked, covered with concrete, or absorbed into private plots, which experts say could severely disrupt rainwater flow and worsen flood risks in the weeks ahead.
“Buying properties on encroached lands can lead to legal trouble and dangerous flooding,” said HYDRAA Commissioner, urging citizens to conduct due diligence. The agency warned that monsoon flooding is no longer a rare event, and any obstruction to the natural drainage network could put entire communities at risk. During HYDRAA’s Prajavani grievance programme, several citizens raised concerns about tampered land layouts in older gram panchayat areas.
Green spaces are also under threat. In Panjagutta’s Officers Colony, locals say a 1,000 sq. yard park has been partially converted into a temple. Residents want the rest of the land protected and developed as a civic park. In Vajra Enclave, Alwal, roads and parks meant for 230 plots have reportedly been swallowed by nearby developments
Officials explained that in many cases, private developers have reclassified land reserved for roads or parks as agricultural land using forged documents and fake passbooks. These manipulations have allowed illegal sales of plots, many of which fall in ecologically sensitive zones. HYDRAA is reviewing these cases using satellite imagery and archived maps. Officials clarified that action would focus on violators, not genuine homebuyers who may have unknowingly purchased disputed property.
The agency has pledged not to penalise innocent citizens, while ensuring drainage infrastructure and public spaces are restored. Citizens have been urged to verify land classifications, avoid properties near drains or lakebeds, and report any suspicious activity. “With rising climate risks, safeguarding natural drainage is not just a legal duty—it’s about public safety,” said the Commissioner.
HYDRAA Flags Flood Risk from Illegal Real Estate
Noida Becomes India’s Prime Investment Destination
Noida has emerged as India’s most promising real estate investment destination in 2025, outpacing legacy cities like Delhi and Mumbai. Backed by rapid infrastructure development, a booming tech sector, and the transformative Jewar Airport, the city now leads in livability and returns. Industry experts confirm: Noida is no longer a satellite city—it’s the core of next-gen urban growth
At the heart of Noida’s real estate rise is the Jewar International Airport. Once operational, it will be among Asia’s largest, handling 12 million passengers annually. This has triggered sharp appreciation in property prices across surrounding sectors. The airport’s dedicated cargo terminal also unlocks logistics and warehousing potential, promising massive employment, industrial development, and robust real estate demand in areas like Yamuna Expressway and Sector 21A.
World-class connectivity has further fuelled Noida’s real estate boom. The Yamuna Expressway, Noida-Greater Noida Expressway, and expanding metro network make it one of India’s best-connected cities. With the FNG Expressway nearing completion, realty hotspots now span across Noida, Faridabad, and Ghaziabad. Green corridors, smart traffic systems, and integrated townships position Noida as a future-ready urban centre aligned with sustainability and convenience.
Noida’s commercial real estate is witnessing unprecedented demand, led by major IT and electronics companies. From HCL and Infosys to Samsung and Adobe, top firms are anchoring growth in key sectors. New-age hubs like Data Centre Park, EMC, Apparel Park, and Toy Park attract global investment. With high rental yields, tech-driven zones, and employment growth, commercial and residential investments here are offering high ROI and consistent capital appreciation.
Developers like Aadinath Ur Homes are capitalising on Noida’s momentum with future-ready projects. From pre-leased commercial properties with assured returns to serviced apartments for professionals, they offer smart investment options. Flagship projects like Baker’s Alley blend food, lifestyle, and retail, driving footfall and returns. With 18% assured return offers and strategic locations, Aadinath Ur Homes is helping investors tap into Noida’s next phase of growth.
Noida in 2025 isn’t just growing—it’s leading India’s urban transformation. Infrastructure upgrades, IT-fuelled growth, and developer confidence are driving its rise as a premier investment destination. With modern amenities, eco-conscious planning, and unmatched connectivity, the city is redefining real estate value. For smart investors, Noida offers not just promising returns—but a front-row seat to the future of urban India.
Noida Becomes India’s Prime Investment Destination
Godrej Properties Acquires 16 Acre Land in Pune for Rs 3100 Cr Project
Godrej Properties has announced the acquisition of a 16-acre land parcel in Upper Kharadi, Pune, for a mixed-use development project valued at ₹3,100 crore. This acquisition marks the company’s second land deal in the Kharadi-Wagholi micro-market this month, bringing the combined estimated revenue potential from both Pune developments to ₹7,300 crore.
The planned development will comprise premium group housing and high-street retail, with a total developable area of 2.5 million square feet. Gaurav Pandey, Managing Director and CEO of Godrej Properties, stated, “Upper Kharadi has rapidly emerged as one of Pune’s most promising real estate corridors, driven by its evolving infrastructure and strong connectivity.” The acquisition is expected to bolster Godrej Properties’ presence in Pune’s real estate market and contribute to the region’s economic growth. The company’s shares rose by 2% to ₹2,477.4 on the Bombay Stock Exchange following the announcement, reflecting investor optimism.
Godrej Properties, part of the Godrej Group, is one of India’s leading listed real estate developers with a presence across major cities, including Mumbai, Delhi-NCR, Bengaluru, and Pune. The company’s commitment to sustainable and eco-friendly development aligns with the growing demand for responsible urban growth. As the project progresses, it is anticipated to create significant employment opportunities and enhance the overall infrastructure of the Upper Kharadi area, benefiting both residents and businesses.
Godrej Properties Acquires 16 Acre Land in Pune for Rs 3100 Cr Project
DDA Demolishes 300 Structures in Govindpuri for Housing Project
Delhi Development Authority (DDA) has demolished over 300 illegal structures at Bhoomiheen Camp in South Delhi’s Govindpuri. The cleared land will be repurposed to construct permanent housing for approximately 4,500 Jhuggi‑Jhopri (JJ) dwellers from Navjeevan and Jawahar Camps, aligning with the government’s ethical urban redevelopment policy
Delhi’s land‑managing authority explained that most razed constructions, numbering around 344, had been vacant and occupied illegally for approximately two and a half years. The camp covered nearly five acres of DDA land, which had remained under encroachment despite earlier housing allocations. Notices were issued to encroachers, and court petitions were dismissed. Consequently, no stay orders blocked the demolition. This drive continues earlier efforts under the ‘Jahan Jhuggi Wahan Makan’ policy, which guarantees alternative housing before slum clearance. Between November 2022 and May 2023, 1,862 eligible households were relocated from Bhoomiheen Camp to economically weaker section (EWS) flats in Kalkaji Extension, following guidelines from the Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB).
Eligibility for rehabilitation required inclusion in voter lists from 2012 to 2015 and possession of specific documents like electricity bills or driving licences. Homeowners engaged in commercial use, undocumented residents, or those living upstairs without separate ration cards were deemed ineligible. Thirty‑four ineligible households successfully appealed and were granted housing. Under the Rs 11.41 lakh construction cost, each EWS flat offers 25 sqm carpet area with modern amenities such as living rooms, bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchens, and balconies. Beneficiaries contributed a nominal Rs 1.12 lakh toward the cost. The DDA highlighted that the demolition was legally sanctioned following the Delhi High Court’s dismissal of 55 writ petitions by 435 residents—leaving only one stay in place.
However, the operations drew criticism. Reports from Millennium Post recounted pre-dawn demolitions around 5 am, with extensive police presence. Many residents, who awoke to their homes being razed, claimed insufficient notice, and expressed distress at the timing amid a heatwave as remarked by domestic workers forced out into high temperatures. Critics accused the government of undermining its housing pledge. AAP leaders contended that the demolition contradicted earlier assurances tied to caste and urban poor welfare. Delhi’s Chief Minister defended the operation, stating it complied with legal directives and assured that alternative housing had been provided. Urban planners and housing experts broadly support the DDA’s approach, noting that informal settlements impair civic infrastructure—blocking roads and drainage, increasing flood risk, and compromising public amenities. Reclaiming land is essential for sustainable city development, green zones, and infrastructure expansion.
Still, analysts stress the importance of discretion in enforcement. Sudden evictions, especially during extreme weather, can inflict acute hardship. They recommend transparent notification systems, extended relocation periods, legal aid for contesting residents, and advancing reconstruction readiness before clearance. The ambitious redevelopment of Govindpuri fits a larger pattern of Delhi’s slum regeneration under Central and local policies. To date, the city has seen nearly three lakh formal housing units approved under PMAY-U’s in-situ model. Projects like Kalkaji Extension, Jailorwala Bagh, and Kathputli Colony underscore a shift towards dignified slum transformation. Comparing across Indian metropolises, Delhi lags behind Maharashtra and Gujarat in executing PPP‑driven redevelopment. Experts believe the Govindpuri project could catalyse future infrastructure‑linked rehousing schemes—provided timely implementation and meaningful community consultation follow.
As bulldozers excavate the rubble in Govindpuri, the government must deliver on its housing promise. Only then will reclaimed land be transformed into equitable, zero‑carbon, and gender‑inclusive communities—turning demolition into reconstruction rather than displacement.
DDA Demolishes 300 Structures in Govindpuri for Housing Project
CREDAI Kolkata Trades Rice for Plastic Campaign
CREDAI Kolkata’s ‘Rice for Plastic’ campaign lets people exchange 2 kg of plastic or e-waste for 1 kg of rice. Active across Kolkata, Howrah, and Hooghly, the initiative tackles pollution while supporting the nutrition needs of construction workers and their families, blending waste management with community welfare. Held under CREDAI’s corporate social responsibility wing, the initiative has drawn strong community participation.
Construction workers and nearby residents alike have responded enthusiastically, contributing plastic bottles, wrappers, wires, and outdated gadgets at designated drop points. The exchange system not only promotes responsible waste segregation but also helps combat malnutrition in vulnerable families. The Minister overseeing Urban Development and Municipal Affairs commended the campaign for bridging environmental responsibility with community welfare.
A major highlight of the initiative took place on June 16 at the KMDA Project site, where scores of workers gathered with bags of recyclable waste. The event was marked by a sense of collective purpose as families took home rice in return for their efforts, sending a clear message on the potential of citizen-led environmental action. Urban development authorities have taken note.
The initiative, officials noted, aligns with larger city goals of becoming more climate-resilient, equitable, and waste-conscious. Sidharth Pansari, President of CREDAI Kolkata, “This campaign reflects our commitment to inclusive growth. It empowers communities who are often left out of sustainability dialogues, while reducing the ecological footprint of construction zones,” he said.
Beyond the symbolic exchange, the campaign serves as a reminder of the human cost of urban development and the opportunity to design city systems that benefit all residents. By actively involving the construction workforce—a group often marginalised in sustainability efforts—the initiative helps embed equity at the heart of waste management. Experts say this model could be replicated in other Indian cities where plastic pollution and economic inequality intersect.
As cities struggle with mounting e-waste and plastic overload, people-first interventions like this can turn everyday actions into collective impact. The ‘Rice for Plastic’ campaign signals that sustainability need not be disconnected from human needs. With the right intent and design, cities can move towards zero-waste goals while feeding those who build them.
CREDAI Kolkata Trades Rice for Plastic Campaign
Sinhagad tribal home built under PMAY demolished
A tribal family at Pune’s historic Sinhagad Fort was left homeless mid-monsoon after authorities demolished their PMAY‑marked concrete house during an anti‑encroachment drive, sparking criticism over procedural lapses amidst heritage conservation efforts.
The Adivasi Mahadev Koli family, whose ancestors have served the fort site for seven generations, watched helplessly as their only concrete home—built under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) and marked as such—was razed between 29 May and 4 June. Officials from the Archaeological and Forest Departments, supported by Maharashtra’s broader fort cleanup campaign, implemented a manual demolition in heavy rainfall, citing lack of proper documentation as the key cause. Savita Gaikwad, aged 37, described her anguish: “We have lived here for seven generations… In 2016, with assistance from PMAY, we built our first concrete house. It was marked on the wall, yet no officials verified the documents. Now we are homeless, with all our belongings damaged by rain.” Her husband, who borrowed ₹5 lakh in addition to the ₹1.2 lakh PMAY grant, said their shelter collapsed in monsoon rains and they now subsist under plastic sheets, with crying children as witnesses.
Officials maintain the Gaikwads lacked a mandatory No Objection Certificate (NOC), and assert the house was not sanctioned under PMAY. They pledged to explore alternative shelter solutions near the fort via the district collector’s office. “We will consult with the district collector to explore the possibility of providing them with an alternate shelter near the fort,” stated the Pune Division Archaeological Department’s Assistant Director . Opposition to the demolition has been vocal. Local legislators labelled it “inhuman and unjust,” urging authorities to ensure accountability. They stressed that PMAY approvals follow rigorous documentation protocols and demanded proof of proper review before demolition. The wider context involves a state‑led initiative to clear encroachments from heritage forts. Over 200 personnel from various departments engaged in the operation, removing 141 illicit structures—including homes, stalls, and concrete stalls—on Sinhagad between 29 May and 4 June, temporarily closing the fort to tourists to facilitate safe clearance. While heritage conservation is vital, experts warn that displacement without rehabilitation contradicts equitable urban policy.
A historian points out designating a site as heritage‑protected must involve structured resettlement options for long‑standing residents, especially tribal minorities who lack alternative shelter. The Gaikwads’ case highlights systemic neglect. Despite a clear PMAY marking, district authorities say verification failed. Analysts argue that field‑level awareness and inter‑departmental training could prevent such outcomes—especially crucial during monsoon months when demolitions risk exposing vulnerable families to waterborne diseases and weather hazards. The household’s income—earning through selling refreshments to tourists—has vanished overnight, amplifying economic precarity. Urban planners emphasise community livelihood maintenance during heritage clean‑ups; transparent eviction notices and timely compensatory housing solutions are essential safeguards.
Under monsoon conditions, exposure intensifies: marginal tribal families become acutely vulnerable to disease and injury. Public health experts advocate postponing anti‑encroachment drives during seasonal rains or initiating robust relocation frameworks before site clearance. In the absence of shelter, displaced persons face high risks of respiratory, skin, and vector‑borne illnesses. Maharashtra’s successive fort‑cleaning campaigns have largely prioritised built‑heritage as tourism drawcards, yet critics argue equity considerations are sidelined. Heritage scholars suggest dual preservation models—where ecological sustainability and human dignity coexist, sustaining cultural landscapes while honouring ancestral ties.
The Pune demolition drive based on the state directive to clear forts by 31 May applied across all Maharashtra, with Sinhagad temporarily closed to the public until dumping ceased. While the fort reopened on 5 June after clearing, the Gaikwads’ plight remains unaddressed. Moving forward, administrators propose alternate shelter options near the fort. However, civil society groups advocate for legal formalisation of residents’ rights via intermediate documentation or land recognition processes, offering long-term settlement stability.
This episode reveals the tensions inherent in India’s sustainable city vision: balancing heritage, ecology, and human inclusivity. It underscores the need for policy integration—where tribal custodians of heritage are stakeholders, not collateral victims of conservation.
Sinhagad tribal home built under PMAY demolished
Tata Steel to Build Green Steel Future by 2040
