SDMC seals 135 commercial establishments in Lodhi Road

New Delhi: Taking strong action against unauthorised constructions in Meharchand Market in Lodhi Road, under Central Zone, South Delhi Municipal Corporation (SDMC) on Wednesday sealed as many 135 establishments.

The decision to seal these outlets comes after directions of a Supreme Court-appointed Monitoring Committee. The sealed establishments include Cafe Coffee Day, Artesenia, Truefitt & Hill, Liquid Sanctuary, Ekmatra, among others.

Two public sector banks, SBI and Dena Bank, were given a few days to wind up their operations for running commercial activities inside unauthorised construction.

The three-member Monitoring Committee, which was revived on December 15, 2017, comprises KJ Rao, former advisor to the Election Commission, Bhure Lal, chairman of Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority, and Major General (Retd) Som Jhingan.

A senior SDMC official said that after the Committee visited the market, it instructed officials of the civic body's building department to seal these establishments.

"The shops at basement and upper floor were sealed but shops at ground floor were spared," he said.

"The order was issued by the Committee and we have acted accordingly. There is no need for sending any prior notice just before the action in that case," another senior SDMC official said.

On December 22, the SDMC had sealed some famous shops and restaurants in south Delhi's posh Defence Colony market for not paying conversion charges (Rs 89,000 per square metre) to the Corporation, to convert residential complexs into commercial ones. However, the conversion charges were later reduced to Rs 22,000.

Again on December 28, the civic body continued its drive and sealed 29 commercial establishments in Chhattarpur Bhati Road.

Many shops, restaurants and other establishments in plush markets of South Extension, Green Park, Hauz Khas and Greater Kailash are reportedly in gross violation of the rules and regulations.

A detailed list has been drawn by SDMC and action is being taken against their owners for not paying taxes, despite repeated reminders.