MCD sealing commercial units in residential areas

New Delhi, Sep 1: Amid widespread protests from traders and common people, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi today began sealing commercial units in several residential areas.

Bulldozers again started moving following the Supreme Court's recent withdrawal of exemption granted to several units under the Delhi Laws (Special Provisions) Act, 2006.

The MCD squads, accompanied by a huge security force, this morning began sealing commercial units in areas coming under the South zone, Nazafgarh zone, Civil lines, Central zone and Karol Bagh zone.

A spokesperson of the MCD said sealing action was being carried out in East of Kailash, Kailash Hills and Zamrudpur areas in the South zone and Nazafgarh, Sant nagar area of Karol Bagh, Civil Lines areas and many areas falling under the central zone.

A huge police 'bandobast' had been made in anticipation of protests from traders and common people, he said.

The sealing drive met with strong protests at many places like Sant Nagar.

Meanwhile, traders carried out a massive dharna at Jantar Mantar in the capital to protest the MCD's.

Supreme Court recently stayed some parts of the Delhi Laws (Special Provisions) Act, 2006, promulgated by the Centre to put a one year moratorium on the sealing and demolition action in the national capital Thereafter, on August 18, the Urban Development Ministry withdrew exemption granted under the Act to certain categories, following which the MCD announced its decision to begin sealing of these units from September 1.

However, in case of banquet halls situated in the residential areas, sealing will resume from September 8. The August 31 deadline for closure of banquet halls was on Wednesday extended to September 6 after a number of representations were received by the MCD as well as the Monitoring Committee highlighting difficulties in arranging alternative site for marriages and other functions at such a short notice.

UNI