Bhopal, Aug 18 (IANS) Traders in Bhopal have opposed the municipal corporation’s intensified crackdown on commercial activities in residential buildings, warning that sealing establishments could affect the livelihoods of lakhs of people who depend on small businesses.
The civic body has issued 6,589 notices across the city so far, following the Supreme Court’s strict stance on commercial use of residential properties.
Bhopal Chamber of Commerce president Govind Goyal said the authorities should find a practical solution instead of shutting down businesses.
He argued that the government cannot leave lakhs of people unemployed, noting that a single trader employs people from 25 to 50 families.
“Sealing these establishments will affect traders as well as those dependent on them,” Goyal said.
Traders’ Association president Anand Soni said the government should provide relief to traders as several major festivals are approaching. He demanded a regularisation mechanism on the lines of the 2022 Gujarat model.
According to the municipal corporation, 5,778 notices had been served by Sunday, and another 811 were issued on Monday. In around 750 cases, the deadline to stop commercial activity is set to expire within the next three days, after which final notices will be issued.
Municipal Corporation Deputy Commissioner Bhuvan Gupta said cases where commercial activity continues after the final notice would be examined individually before the corporation passes final orders.
The corporation had earlier issued notices to 429 establishments in Arera Colony, Bawadiya Kalan and Rohit Nagar. Of these, 60 were served final 24‑hour notices. Around 250 operators cited payment of commercial taxes, commercial electricity connections and the location of their buildings on 18‑metre‑wide roads while responding to the notices.
The 10‑day deadline for notices issued between August 5 and 9 is also expiring, with final 24‑hour notices being served in such cases. The civic body has additionally issued notices in 85 cases involving unauthorised construction, with final orders passed in 24 cases.
Officials said more than 62,500 properties in residential areas have been identified where commercial activities are allegedly being carried out. The number of notices could eventually reach one lakh as commercial establishments are spread across residential colonies and streets.
–IANS
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