Green Group

In a move that is likely to help authorities meet the twin objectives of generating more revenues and equalising the differences in rates in various sectors, the Gurgaon district administration has hiked circle rates by up to 20 per cent, for the second time in two months. The revised circle rates come into effect from April 9. It was on February 12 when circles rates were revised in Gurgaon after a gap of four years.

The South Delhi Municipal Corporation has announced that it will develop green clubs in at least 20 parks across the area. These clubs will be one-of-a-kind projects that will house multifaceted amenities for the citizens. These clubs would be equipped with adventure islands for children, green lands, acupressure centres and paved walkaways with open amphitheater. These parks with green clubs would also have sports facilities, including badminton courts, football park, etc.

During a hearing on April 16, Jaypee Infratech had said that its valuation has been slashed drastically and had put forth an affidavit to the Supreme Court stating that with the help of interim funds, it can finish the flats. However, this proposal has been rejected by the apex court as the statute bars an ailing company to bid. Jaypee says that its representation should have been considered given that it had been completing 500 units every month.

In a move that would certainly speed up the construction process, the government is planning to mellow environmental regulations to push affordable housing projects. In a draft notification issued in mid-March, the environment ministry has proposed that projects spread in an area of 50,000 square metre (sqm) would not require green clearance. Under the existing rules, projects with a built-up area of up to 20,000 sqm do not have to apply for green clearance.

While staying focused on green initiatives, education and health, Finance Minister (FM) Manish Sisodia on March 22 presented the Aam Aadmi Party-led Delhi government’s Budget of Rs 53,000 crore for the financial year 2018-19. Presenting the fourth Budget of his government, the FM said there was a lot in the Budget for the poor, women, the middle class and students. Let us examine.