Delhi sealing drive to continue despite hearing deferment, clarifies SC-appointed panel

The Supreme Court’s decision to list hearing on a batch of petitions challenging the Delhi Master Plan’s validity till February next year, will have no bearing on the ongoing sealing drive in the city.

The members of the Supreme Court-appointed monitoring committee clarified that their drive against violation of land use norms and unauthorised constructions will continue.

“We have not received any separate order for discontinuing the sealing action in the city, so sealing will continue and people can approach us if they notice any misuse in their areas,” said a member of the monitoring committee on the condition of anonymity.

The next big drive is planned in east Delhi’s Vishwas Nagar area on August 16 for alleged misuse of residential units for commercial use.The monitoring committee had visited the place 10 days ago.

“During our visit, we found hundreds of small factories and godowns running from residential units, in violation of Delhi Master Plan 2021. We have shared a list of 650 such factories with the East Corporation for immediate sealing action,” said a monitoring committee member.

Later, the EDMC issued 48 hours notices to the defaulters. “We issued notices and as required by the apex court, given two days time to either shut down such illegal units or submit reply. Now sealing is likely to start from Thursday,” said a EDMC senior official .

The sealing drive started in the city on December 22 last year on the direction’s of the monitoring committee. In the last six months, the three civic agencies have sealed at least 6,000 units. The drive had come to a halt after the Delhi Development Authority amended the Master Plan for local shopping complexes.

Later, the monitoring committee submitted a report to the apex court last month, pointing out non-cooperation from civic agencies in the sealing drive.

First Published: Aug 15, 2018 02:59 IST