Bhopal Municipal Corporation Plans Citywide Crackdown On Illegal Commercial Use

Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): Bhopal Municipal Corporation (BMC) is preparing for a comprehensive citywide drive against illegal commercial activities in residential areas and other building-related violations, with more than 62,000 commercial properties likely to be examined under the new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP).

The BMC has prepared the SOP but is awaiting the Supreme Court's written order following the August 5 hearing before issuing fresh notices to establishments found violating norms.

Officials said action would begin after completion of all three phases of the survey and expiry of the notice period. The sealing drive is likely to be carried out close to the completion of the five weeks granted by Supreme Court so that sealed premises cannot be reopened in the interim.

The action plan is expected to be implemented before the next Supreme Court hearing scheduled for September 15.

Three-phase survey to identify violations

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. 1.Illegal constructions in green belts and areas near water bodies. 2. Buildings constructed without approved maps or in violation of sanctioned plans. 3.Commercial activities operating from residential premises.

Violations of three types

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.

These cases will be categorised separately before further action is decided. He added that the SOP might include separate action against illegal constructions, encroachments and occupancy violations.

Campaign to cover entire city

Deputy municipal commissioner Bhuvan Gupta said the campaign would be conducted uniformly across the municipal area. "Joint survey teams have been formed in all Assembly constituencies.

Violations related to building permissions, illegal constructions, encroachments on green belts and water bodies, and commercial activities in residential buildings will be identified.

Notices will be issued and action will be taken wherever violations are found," he said.