Delhi traders raise alarm over possible sealing amid MCD survey directive
Traders in the national capital on Friday raised concerns over the possibility of large-scale sealing of commercial establishments operating in residential areas, following a recent Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) circular to survey such activities in line with Supreme Court directions.
According to an official statement, a delegation of traders and entrepreneurs, led by the Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI), met MCD Commissioner Sanjeev Khirwar and urged the civic body to defer any survey or sealing action until the implementation of Master Plan 2041.
Although newly elected Mayor Pravesh Wahi, after taking charge on Wednesday, had announced that the corporation is not planning to conduct any sealing drive in the city.
CTI Chairman Brijesh Goyal said traders conveyed that the upcoming Master Plan 2041 is expected to provide clarity on the demarcation of residential, commercial and industrial areas across Delhi.
“Till then, no survey or sealing action should be undertaken,” he said.
Representatives from key markets, including Karol Bagh, Sadar Bazaar and Gandhi Nagar, told the commissioner that no area in Delhi is purely residential and pointed out that commercial activities are permitted in 24 categories even in residential zones, the statement read.
They stressed the need for clearer classification of land use to avoid confusion and hardship for traders.
Traders said that the commissioner responded to the concerns.
“The commissioner has said that the MCD is in consultation with multiple agencies, including the Delhi government, NDMC and DDA, and any further action will be taken only after due deliberation,” Goyal said, adding that the commissioner assured that traders would not be harassed.
According to the statement, in a significant relief to the trading community, the commissioner also indicated that traders and entrepreneurs will soon be able to obtain trade licences by paying 15 per cent of the fee along with property tax through an online system. An official order in this regard is expected to be issued within a couple of days, Goyal said.
