Commenting on the Union Budget 2026, Mr. Gaurav Pandey, Co-Chairman, FICCI Committee on Urban Development and Real Estate, and Managing Director & CEO of Godrej Properties, said the budget continues a strong focus on infrastructure-led growth, marked by a record capital expenditure of INR 12.2 lakh crore.
He noted that the sustained emphasis on urban development, connectivity, and city-led growth reflects the government’s long-term vision for economic expansion. Measures such as the Infrastructure Risk Guarantee Fund, expansion of transport corridors, and support for city economic regions are expected to have a positive impact on real estate demand over the medium term. Mr. Pandey further stated that the government’s commitment to fiscal discipline and long-term growth creates a stable macroeconomic foundation, strengthening confidence across sectors and supporting sustained economic expansion.
In a landmark moment for Goa, the city of Panaji has been honoured as the Cleanest City in India in the 50,000–1,00,000 population category at the Swachh Survekshan Awards 2024–25. The awards ceremony took place at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, and the title was conferred by the Hon’ble President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu Ji.
This prestigious award underscores the outstanding work done under the Swachh Bharat Mission in Panaji, including consistent efforts in door-to-door waste collection, scientific waste treatment, and attaining Garbage-Free City certification.
Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant expressed pride in Panaji’s achievement, stating it is a reflection of the government’s long-standing commitment to sustainable urban development. He congratulated all the officials, teams, and residents who made it possible.
Mayor Rohit Monserrate also shared his gratitude and reiterated the importance of citizen participation, enforcement of waste segregation, and the future goal of making Panaji a zero-waste city.
This achievement stands as a beacon of what committed governance, community effort, and a shared vision for cleanliness can accomplish. As Goa moves toward a Swachh and Viksit Bharat @2047, Panaji’s success sets a benchmark for other cities aiming to transform their urban landscapes.
The Panaji Municipal Corporation, along with active involvement from residents, sanitation workers, and various civil bodies, continues to innovate and inspire with best practices in waste management and sustainable city planning.
This award belongs to every Goan who believes in keeping our home beautiful, clean, and green.
Amaravati, June 18, 2025 – In a decisive move towards environmental sustainability, the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh has announced a complete ban on single-use plastic across 17 major cities in the state, effective from October 2, 2025—marking the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi and symbolizing a renewed commitment to Swachh Bharat and environmental responsibility.
The decision was unveiled during a high-level review meeting on urban development and solid waste management, where the Chief Minister emphasized the urgent need to combat plastic pollution and reduce its harmful impact on health, ecosystems, and marine life.
The ban will be enforced in the following 17 municipal corporations and key urban centers:
Visakhapatnam
Vijayawada
Guntur
Nellore
Kurnool
Kadapa
Rajahmundry
Kakinada
Tirupati
Anantapur
Ongole
Eluru
Srikakulam
Vizianagaram
Chittoor
Machilipatnam
Bhimavaram
These cities have been prioritized due to their high population density and significant plastic waste generation.
Scope of the Ban
The ban targets commonly used single-use plastic items, including:
Plastic carry bags (irrespective of thickness)
Plastic cutlery (spoons, forks, knives)
Straws and stirrers
Plastic plates, cups, and glasses
Wrapping films and sachets used for packaging
Thermocol (polystyrene) items
The government has also directed municipal bodies to coordinate with manufacturers, retailers, food vendors, and consumers to ensure smooth phasing out of plastic alternatives and promote eco-friendly substitutes like cloth bags, jute bags, paper packaging, and biodegradable products.
Implementation & Penalties
Dedicated enforcement teams will be deployed in each city to monitor compliance. Offenders may face:
Fines for possession and distribution of banned items
Seizure of goods
Cancellation of business licenses for repeated violations
To support the transition, awareness campaigns and training programs for vendors and citizens will be launched over the next few months.
Chief Minister’s Statement
“This is not just an environmental reform—this is a social mission,” said the Chief Minister. “Plastic is choking our drains, polluting our rivers, and damaging our soil. By banning single-use plastic, we are not only protecting our environment but also creating a sustainable future for the next generation. Andhra Pradesh will lead the way in green governance.”
Public Engagement and Alternatives
The state government will work with local NGOs, schools, RWAs (Resident Welfare Associations), and self-help groups to promote reusable products and foster a plastic-free culture through community drives and plastic collection campaigns. Bulk procurement and subsidized distribution of cloth bags are also on the agenda.
Conclusion: As India strives towards its climate and sustainability goals, Andhra Pradesh’s bold step to ban single-use plastics in urban centers could serve as a model for other states. The state’s efforts to combine policy enforcement with citizen participation mark a significant milestone in India’s environmental journey.
Bengaluru – June 2025: In a move that could reshape the sports infrastructure of Karnataka’s capital, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has announced that the state government is considering shifting the iconic M. Chinnaswamy Stadium to a new location in Bengaluru. The statement has sparked both anticipation and debate among cricket fans, urban planners, and local residents.
Located in the heart of Bengaluru, the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium is one of India’s most well-known cricket venues. It has hosted countless domestic and international matches and is home to the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
However, CM Siddaramaiah cited urban congestion, limited accessibility, and space constraints as key reasons behind the potential relocation.
“We are exploring the feasibility of shifting Chinnaswamy Stadium to a more spacious, accessible location to ease traffic and improve facilities,” said the Chief Minister during a recent press interaction.
The current stadium, while rich in history, is situated in a densely populated part of Bengaluru near Cubbon Park. On match days, traffic congestion, parking issues, and public transport strain have become significant concerns for both authorities and the public.
The state government is reportedly exploring locations on the outskirts of Bengaluru where a modern, world-class sports complex can be developed — complete with better connectivity, parking infrastructure, and multi-sport facilities.
While no official blueprint or timeline has been shared yet, the proposal has already sparked a wave of reactions:
Cricket fans have expressed mixed emotions — many nostalgic about the historic venue, others open to the idea of a larger, more modern stadium.
Urban development experts have welcomed the move, citing the need to decentralize major public venues.
Environmental groups are urging the government to ensure that any development aligns with sustainable urban planning norms.
If approved, the relocation would involve:
Identification and acquisition of suitable land
Construction of a new stadium adhering to ICC and BCCI guidelines
Transition planning for RCB and Karnataka state teams
Consideration of the legacy and future use of the existing stadium site
The government is expected to hold consultations with BCCI, KSCA (Karnataka State Cricket Association), urban planners, and public stakeholders before finalizing any decisions.
As Bengaluru continues to evolve as a global city, this move could represent a transformative moment for its sports infrastructure. Whether the Chinnaswamy Stadium moves or stays, the discussion underscores the balancing act between heritage and modernity in urban India.
