Bhopal Municipal Corporation Re-Starts Sealing Drive

The Bhopal Municipal Corporation (BMC) is set to restart its sealing drive against commercial establishments operating from residential premises in various localities across the city. This move comes after the recent Supreme Court proceedings, which have prompted the BMC to take action against violators.

The BMC will issue fresh notices to violators, giving them a final 10-day deadline to stop commercial activities before enforcement begins. The notices will be issued across localities including Arera Colony, Rohit Nagar, Bairagarh, Kolar Road, Chunabhatti, Indrapuri, Kohefiza, Lalghati, and Ashoka Garden.

According to BMC Deputy Commissioner Bhuvan Gupta, teams led by additional commissioners and deputy commissioners will conduct surveys in every Assembly constituency to identify encroachments, building permission violations, and occupancy misuse. Gupta added that all previously issued notices remain legally valid, taking the total number of notices served to more than 1,250.

Petitioner Purnendu Shukla stated that the SC proceedings make it clear that commercial activities operating from residential areas will eventually have to cease. Experts have suggested that the BMC engage an independent town and country planning expert while preparing its future action plan.

The uncertainty has prompted some businesses to consider shifting operations. Anand Soni, president of the 10 Number Traders' Federation, claimed that the government failed to adequately explain before the SC that Bhopal's master plan has remained pending for more than two decades. At least three major branded showrooms are now planning to relocate to avoid recurring legal and administrative challenges.

The BMC's earlier sealing drive had lost momentum after several establishments resumed operations. While the BMC had sealed two properties and recorded panchnamas for 99 traders who voluntarily shut their businesses, many have since reopened after the state government constituted a high-level committee and enforcement was paused.

BMC Commissioner Sanskriti Jain stated that reopened sealed premises would face action under municipal rules in compliance with the Supreme Court's directions within a week. The BMC is determined to take action against violators and ensure that commercial activities are stopped in residential areas.

The sealing drive is expected to have a significant impact on the city's commercial landscape. With the BMC taking a tough stance against violators, businesses operating from residential premises will have to either relocate or cease operations. The move is aimed at ensuring that residential areas are used for their intended purpose and that commercial activities do not disrupt the peace and tranquility of these areas.

In conclusion, the Bhopal Municipal Corporation's decision to restart its sealing drive is a significant step towards ensuring that commercial activities are stopped in residential areas. The move is expected to have a positive impact on the city's residents and will help maintain the integrity of residential areas.