The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has initiated a comprehensive survey to identify residential premises being misused for non-residential purposes across the city, following directions from the Supreme Court.
Supreme Court Order
The apex court, in an order issued in early April, impleaded municipal corporations of all capital cities, including MCD, as party respondents and directed them to conduct a detailed inquiry within their jurisdictions. The court has mandated strict compliance with the order.
Survey Details
MCD commissioner Sanjeev Khirwar has instructed all zonal deputy commissioners to carry out a time-bound survey to identify areas earmarked exclusively for residential use but currently being used for commercial or other non-residential activities. The survey will cover all residential colonies, including unauthorised and regularised colonies, group housing societies, and plotted developments. It will also include areas within MCD limits as well as isolated pockets geographically surrounded by MCD jurisdictions.
Officials have been directed to undertake field inspections, verify data thoroughly, and prepare zone-wise lists of violations. The civic body has emphasised that the data must be accurate and backed by proper records, as it will form the basis of an affidavit to be submitted before the Supreme Court. Senior officials have also been asked to fix accountability in cases of omissions or incorrect reporting.
Timeline and Submission
According to MCD directives, the compiled reports must be submitted to the additional commissioner (engineering) within seven days to facilitate consolidation and timely filing of the affidavit, which will be personally affirmed by a senior authority.
Reactions
Reacting to the directions, Delhi BJP spokesperson Praveen Shankar Kapoor said the time period given was too short to cover the entire city. He added that MCD has already covered various areas in the past, and several roads are pending for getting mixed-use or commercial tags. He stressed the importance of officials understanding the background thoroughly.
The municipal corporation has warned that any delay or laxity in carrying out the exercise will be viewed seriously, given the strict directions issued by the apex court.
