Bhopal Sealing Drive Yet To Resume After Supreme Court Flags Claims Of Shops Reopening

Bhopal's municipal authorities have yet to resume their sealing drive targeting commercial establishments in residential zones, according to recent reports. Despite the Supreme Court raising concerns over sealed premises allegedly reopening during the September 22 hearing, commercial activity remains active at various locations where earlier action had been taken.

Nearly 10 complaints were lodged with the Supreme Court, alleging that sealed premises closed during the day were found open in the evening, questioning the enforcement of the court's directive.

BMC officials cited ongoing festival preparations and staff deployment for Lord Ganesh immersion duties as factors impeding field-level enforcement. The civic body has identified around 62,500 commercial establishments for scrutiny and issued notices to 8,084 of them. According to court submissions, action was taken against approximately 190 establishments, though only 10 were officially sealed on the ground.

The corporation resumed the sealing drive on August 31 following earlier Supreme Court directives. Over 100 establishments were shut in a single day, with seven properties physically sealed, sparking protests from traders demanding uniform enforcement.

Meanwhile, the Madhya Pradesh government has been cleared to publish the draft Bhopal Master Plan and accept claims and objections. However, the final plan must be presented before the Supreme Court before implementation. The BMC deputy commissioner, Bhuvan Gupta, confirmed that the corporation had submitted its action-taken report to the Supreme Court and was prepared to comply with court directives.

He stated that the civic body was awaiting the detailed written order from the September 22 hearing. Once received, officials will review the directions and determine the subsequent steps. Ultimately, the Supreme Court retains the final say on the Bhopal Master Plan and enforces strict sealing compliance.