Bhopal Municipal Corporation Plans Crackdown On Illegal Commercial Use

Bhopal Municipal Corporation (BMC) is set to launch a citywide drive against illegal commercial activities in residential areas and other building-related violations. The crackdown will involve examining over 62,000 commercial properties across the city, with a focus on identifying and addressing three types of violations: illegal constructions in green belts and areas near water bodies, buildings constructed without approved maps or in violation of sanctioned plans, and commercial activities operating from residential premises.

The BMC has prepared a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the drive, but is awaiting the Supreme Court's written order following the August 5 hearing before issuing fresh notices to establishments found violating norms. The Supreme Court had granted the BMC five weeks to complete the survey and take action against violators.

According to BMC revenue officials, the Building Permission Cell will conduct a detailed survey of properties across all 21 municipal zones. A fresh city map will be prepared, marking properties under different categories of violations. The survey will cover all six Assembly constituencies within BMC limits through dedicated nodal teams headed by additional commissioners or deputy commissioners.

The inspection will be conducted in three phases, with the first phase focusing on illegal constructions in green belts and areas near water bodies, the second phase looking at buildings constructed without approved maps or in violation of sanctioned plans, and the third phase targeting commercial activities operating from residential premises.

Commissioner-cum-Director, Town and Country Planning, Kaushlendra V Singh said officials had been advised to first conduct a detailed assessment of constructions and their present usage across the city. Singh said the survey would identify how many buildings are fully compliant, how many involve occupancy or land-use violations, and how many have been constructed on green land or restricted areas.

Deputy municipal commissioner Bhuvan Gupta said the campaign would be conducted uniformly across the municipal area, with joint survey teams formed in all Assembly constituencies. Notices will be issued and action will be taken wherever violations are found, he added.

The BMC's crackdown on illegal commercial activities is part of a broader effort to regulate and streamline urban development in the city. The drive is expected to have a significant impact on the city's commercial and residential landscape, with thousands of properties likely to be affected.

The action plan is expected to be implemented before the next Supreme Court hearing scheduled for September 15. The BMC is working to complete the survey and take action against violators within the five-week timeframe granted by the Supreme Court.

In related news, the Bhopal Metro has announced that it will run every 15 minutes on Sundays, with services extended till 8:30 PM.

The BMC's crackdown on illegal commercial activities is a significant development for the city, and is likely to have far-reaching implications for property owners, businesses, and residents. As the city continues to grow and develop, the need for effective regulation and enforcement of urban planning laws has become increasingly important.

The BMC's efforts to address illegal commercial activities and building-related violations are part of a broader effort to create a more sustainable and livable city. By taking action against violators and promoting compliance with urban planning laws, the BMC is working to create a better future for the city and its residents.

In conclusion, the Bhopal Municipal Corporation's crackdown on illegal commercial activities is a significant step towards regulating and streamlining urban development in the city. The drive is expected to have a major impact on the city's commercial and residential landscape, and is part of a broader effort to create a more sustainable and livable city.