Bhopal Municipal Corporation Intensifies Crackdown On Illegal Commercial Use, Plans 60,000 Notices

Bhopal Municipal Corporation (BMC) has ramped up efforts to target illegal commercial establishments and unauthorized constructions in the city. The municipal body aims to issue 500 notices daily across each Assembly constituency. On Wednesday alone, BMC teams distributed 557 notices in six Assembly constituencies. Narela topped the list with 264 notices, trailed by Huzur with 125, Govindpura with 76, Madhya with 50, Uttar with 30, and Dakshin with 12 notices.

The BMC's survey plan identifies 62,500 registered commercial properties based on road width. Survey teams will inspect properties on both sides of major urban roads and adjoining roads too. Ward-wise commercial property-tax records will be obtained from zonal officers to identify establishments for scrutiny. Classification of commercial properties includes single road (up to 7.5 m) with 24,000 properties, double road (up to 15 m) with 21,000 properties, four-lane (more than 15 m) with 12,500 properties, and road width not available with 5,000 properties.

BMC teams have been instructed to review court cases in their respective zones, identify properties protected by stay or status quo orders, and file applications before the High Court to have stays vacated. Teams will also review pending cases, check for implemented speaking orders, and prepare action plans for the week ahead. Priority will be given to sensitive locations such as riverbanks, pond peripheries, green belts, buffer zones, and catchment areas. Notices will also be issued against illegal marriage gardens according to applicable rules.

In a recent action, BMC demolished an unauthorized structure in Ganesh Nagar where the owner had constructed around 500 sq ft on an 1,800-sq-ft plot, violating the approved building plan. The structure was removed after a notice and provision for voluntary removal had been given, but the owner failed to comply. Deputy Municipal Commissioner Bhuvan Gupta announced plans for around 60,000 notices, over 100 demolitions, and approximately 1,000 sealing actions under the drive, leading up to the next hearing of the Supreme Court.