Tashree Updates

The Department of Town and Country Planning (DTCP) has approached the Punjab and Haryana High Court to annul the previous draw for the 4S Aster Avenue 36 housing project in Sector 36, Gurgaon, and to seek approval for a fresh allotment process. The court is set to hear the case on April 1. Source Times of India 4S Developers Pvt Ltd was granted a license under the Affordable Housing Policy to develop this project on 1.5 acres of land. Applications for 708 flats were invited starting November 7, 2024, receiving 52,033 submissions. After disqualifying 447 applicants due to incomplete documentation, 51,586 valid applications remained. Source Times of India However, the e-draw conducted on January 27, 2025, experienced a technical glitch, considering only 2,200 applicants instead of the full list. Consequently, all 708 flats were allotted to individuals from Sohna, raising concerns about the draw’s fairness and transparency. Source Times of India In response to complaints, Senior Town Planner Renuka Singh reported the issue to Director Amit Khatri, who promptly suspended the allotment process and formed a three-member investigation committee led by Chief Town Planner (IT) BK Saini. The committee recommended canceling the flawed draw. Source Times of India Some successful applicants have challenged the cancellation in court. If the court denies DTCP’s request for a fresh draw, the existing 51,586 applicants will be considered in a redraw without inviting new applications. Source Times of India This incident has prompted the Haryana government to scrutinise the e-draw system’s integrity to ensure equitable distribution in affordable housing projects. Source Times of India

BJP Clinches Mayoral Victory with Massive Margin The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) recorded a resounding victory in the Gurugram Municipal Corporation elections. Raj Rani Malhotra, the BJP’s candidate, won the mayoral post with a commanding lead of 179,485 votes over Congress contender Seema Pahuja. This election marked the first time residents directly elected the city’s mayor, shifting away from the earlier system where councillors made the choice. BJP Dominates Ward Results, Independents Show Strength BJP candidates secured 23 of the 36 wards, ensuring majority control in the corporation. Independent candidates surprised many by winning 9 wards, indicating public support for non-party voices. Congress managed to win only 3 wards, while the Jannayak Janta Party (JJP) won 1 seat in Ward 5. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), despite contesting several wards, failed to win any. Voter Base Expands, Civic Engagement Rises Gurugram’s voter base grew by 38% since the last civic polls in 2017, with close to 9 lakh registered voters participating. The high turnout reflected increased civic awareness and a growing interest in local governance. Voters across the city backed candidates who promised development, transparency, and improved urban services. BJP Gears Up for Urban Transformation With a clear mandate, the BJP is now positioned to lead Gurugram’s urban development agenda. The party has pledged to enhance infrastructure, boost public amenities, and improve service delivery across the city. At the same time, the strong showing by independents signals a shift in voter sentiment, challenging traditional party loyalties and encouraging accountability at the grassroots level. Source: zeenews.india

Gurgaon, November 22, 2023: Gurgaon’s newly elected mayor has laid out an ambitious roadmap to transform the city into a cleaner, more transparent urban hub. With a strong emphasis on improving civic infrastructure and fostering accountability, Gurgaon’s New Mayor Unveils Vision for a Cleaner, Transparent City and the administration aims to enhance the quality of life for its residents while setting a benchmark for other cities. Source Times of India A Push for Cleanliness: The Swachh City Initiative At the heart of the mayor’s agenda is the “Swachh City” initiative, which seeks to tackle the city’s long-standing waste management challenges. Poor sanitation and littering have been persistent issues in Gurgaon, often criticized by residents and environmentalists alike. To address this, the administration plans to implement efficient waste disposal systems, promote recycling, and encourage community participation in cleanliness drives. The goal is not only to make Gurgaon visually cleaner but also to instill a sense of responsibility among citizens toward maintaining public hygiene. These efforts align with the broader Swachh Bharat Mission, aiming to position Gurgaon as a model city for cleanliness nationwide. Source Times of India Transparency in Governance: Reforming the MCG In addition to cleanliness, the mayor has prioritized transparency within the Municipal Corporation of Gurgaon (MCG). A key focus will be streamlining administrative processes to reduce bureaucratic inefficiencies. The administration plans to leverage technology to ensure that municipal activities are more accessible and understandable to the public. Citizens will have greater access to information regarding budget allocations, project timelines, and governance decisions. This push for transparency is expected to foster trust between the local government and its constituents, bridging the gap that has often led to dissatisfaction. Source Times of India A Long-Term Vision for Sustainability The mayor emphasized that these initiatives are not just short-term fixes but part of a long-term vision to create a sustainable and livable environment. By addressing both cleanliness and governance, the administration hopes to improve overall civic amenities and make Gurgaon a more attractive place to live and work. Public Reaction and Future Prospects Residents have welcomed the new leadership’s proactive approach, expressing optimism about the potential for positive change. As the city embarks on this transformative journey, all eyes are on the administration to deliver tangible results. If successful, Gurgaon could emerge as a shining example of effective urban governance and civic responsibility, setting a precedent for other cities to follow. Source Times of India

IMD Issues Four-Day Heatwave Alert The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a heatwave alert for Delhi-NCR, including Noida and Gurugram, effective today and tomorrow. Residents should prepare for extreme heat as temperatures are expected to rise sharply over the next four days. Mercury Set to Rise Across North India According to the IMD, maximum temperatures will continue to climb until June 12. In Delhi, temperatures could reach 40–42°C from June 8 to 12, with peaks possibly hitting 41–43°C on June 9. On Friday, the city recorded a high of 38.2°C, slightly below normal, while the low stood at 25.6°C, also below average. The heatwave conditions are not limited to Delhi. Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Bihar, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh will also experience rising temperatures. The southern districts of UP are particularly at risk of severe heat in the coming days. Dry Weather Dominates Uttar Pradesh In Uttar Pradesh, dry weather is expected to persist today, with clear skies across most of the state. However, a temperature rise of up to 6°C is likely in the next few days, raising concerns about potential heatwave impacts. Eastern UP experienced moderate rainfall and drizzle in the past 24 hours, but pre-monsoon activity has since slowed down. No Relief from Pre-Monsoon Rains The absence of pre-monsoon rains has left little room for respite from the rising heat. As the sun intensifies, residents are advised to take precautions such as staying hydrated, avoiding prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, and using cooling systems wisely. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely as the country heads into what could be one of the hottest periods of the season. Source: times bull

Door-to-Door Waste Collection Tender in the Pipeline During an introductory meeting between Municipal Corporation of Gurgaon (MCG) councillors and newly appointed MCG commissioner Pradeep Dahiya, concerns about inefficient waste management were brought to light. The commissioner informed the council that a comprehensive door-to-door waste collection tender has been prepared and will be submitted for state government approval within three days. The proposed project, estimated at Rs 487 crore, aims to enhance sanitation across the city by engaging a private firm for seven years to manage waste collection comprehensively. Addressing Population Discrepancies Ward 11 councillor Kuldeep Yadav highlighted discrepancies in population estimates used by MCG, stating that while the corporation’s figures range between 20 and 24 lakh, the actual population exceeds 40 lakh. He emphasized that accurate population data is crucial for effective sanitation planning, noting that his ward requires 200 sanitation workers but currently receives only half that number based on existing estimates. Councillor Vikas Yadav from Ward 22 echoed these sentiments, advocating for future tenders to specify sanitation worker allocations per ward, considering varying population densities across areas. This adjustment would address current shortcomings in workforce deployment. Technology Integration for Better Surveillance Commissioner Dahiya also mentioned plans to introduce new technology to improve surveillance and enhance waste management processes throughout the city. Previously, the Urban Local Bodies (ULB) department questioned the accuracy of a survey estimating Gurgaon’s 2022 population at 26.16 lakh, deeming it unreliable. Since the last census in 2011, which recorded a district population of 15.1 lakh, Gurgaon has experienced significant growth, expanding MCG’s jurisdiction to include 36 wards today. Source: times of india

Special Patrol Teams Now Active in High-Risk Areas To combat the growing risk of forest fires during the dry season, the Haryana forest department has deployed special patrol teams across several districts, including Gurgaon, Faridabad, Nuh, Rewari, Palwal, and Mahendragarh. These dedicated units conduct daily surveillance to enable rapid response in case of fire outbreaks. In Gurgaon and Faridabad, each team consists of 11 members, while other districts have smaller units of about four personnel. The patrols monitor up to 80–100 acres per day, focusing on ecologically sensitive zones such as Bandhwari and Mangar Bani, which are prone to fire due to dense vegetation. Extended Monitoring Through Peak Season The patrols will remain operational until the end of May, with possible extension into June depending on weather conditions. Divisional Forest Officer Sunder Sambharya leads the initiative in Gurgaon, ensuring close monitoring of historically vulnerable areas. Environmental activist Vivek Kamboj praised the move, noting that deploying trained officials is crucial for protecting biodiversity and green cover. He stressed the need for consistent vigilance and swift action to minimize damage and support conservation efforts. 24/7 Surveillance and Reporting System Each patrol team works in shifts to maintain continuous monitoring in high-risk zones. They submit daily reports to divisional forest officers, while range officers track updates and coordinate preventive measures. This initiative follows a sharp rise in forest fires reported in Haryana—from 82 incidents in 2022–23 to 166 in 2023–24, according to the Indian State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2023. While most forest areas remain unaffected, nearly 1.6%—or 28.9 sq km—is classified as highly fire-prone, making it a priority under the new patrol strategy.

Demand Driven by Job Growth and Lifestyle Shifts Despite stagnant salaries, Gurugram’s real estate market is thriving. According to top real estate broker Sandeep Shikhrani, the surge in property purchases isn’t fueled by salary hikes but by job growth and lifestyle changes. Gurugram continues to attract professionals due to its expanding IT sector and improved infrastructure. With new companies setting up offices and startups emerging, employment opportunities are rising. This job influx directly translates into housing demand, even if individual incomes remain flat. Pent-Up Demand and Migration Trends The pandemic created a backlog of buyers who delayed home purchases due to uncertainty. Now, that pent-up demand is being released as confidence returns. Additionally, people from smaller cities and neighboring states are moving to Gurugram for better career prospects, further boosting the market. Affordability Through Lower Interest Rates Home loans are more accessible than ever. Low interest rates have made mortgages cheaper, encouraging first-time buyers and investors alike. Many are choosing to buy rather than rent, seeing property ownership as both a necessity and an investment. Shift Toward Affordable Housing Buyers are adjusting their expectations to fit within stagnant income levels. There’s a clear trend toward affordable and mid-income housing, with developers focusing on budget-friendly options. Premium properties still sell, but the real growth lies in accessible price segments. Real Estate as a Hedge Against Inflation Amid rising inflation, many see real estate as a stable asset. Property values in Gurugram have shown resilience, making homeownership a smart financial move. Investors are also stepping in, betting on future appreciation. In summary, Gurugram’s real estate boom is not about rising salaries—it’s about jobs, shifting priorities, and favorable financing. As long as employment remains strong and homes remain affordable, demand will continue to grow. Source: business today

Rising Temperatures Trigger Heatwave Alert South Haryana is under a heatwave alert as temperatures continue to climb. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts a further rise of 1°C to 2°C in maximum temperatures over the next two days. An orange alert has been issued for the next three days, signaling severe heat conditions across the region. The city of Gurgaon recorded a maximum temperature of 42.5°C—the hottest day of the season—while Sirsa hit 45.8°C. Most districts saw temperatures between 42°C and 46°C, with Rohtak and Jhajjar experiencing readings up to 4.4°C above normal. Residents Struggle with Extreme Heat Residents describe the weather as unbearable. In Sector 56, Renu Sharma found hot water coming from her tap each morning, forcing her family to store water overnight. Abhishek Mishra of DLF Phase 3 also reported steaming water and now stores water ahead of time. Kavita Yadav from Palam Vihar said stepping outside feels like entering a furnace, with dry, scorching air making even short walks exhausting. Minimum temperatures are rising too, with Gurgaon’s lowest at 28.2°C—over a degree higher than the previous day. Warm night conditions may persist, reducing the body’s ability to recover from daytime heat. Forecast: Thunderstorms and Continued Heat From June 13 to 15, thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds up to 50 kmph are expected in isolated areas. Until then, dry weather will dominate, offering little relief. Delhi also faces extreme heat, with temperatures reaching 45.5°C at certain locations and a “feels-like” heat index of 49°C due to humidity. Authorities urge residents to stay hydrated, avoid direct sun exposure, and take precautions against heat-related illnesses. IMD defines a heatwave when temperatures exceed 40°C for two consecutive days across multiple stations, or when deviations from normal readings surpass 6.4°C for severe cases. Call for Urgent Heat Action Plans Dr. Vishwas Chitale of CEEW warns that over 57% of Indian districts face high heat risk due to rising hot days, warm nights, and increased humidity. Shrinking gaps between day and night temperatures worsen health risks. Experts stress the urgent need for localized Heat Action Plans to protect lives and livelihoods in cities across India. Source: times of india