Sealing drive resumes in Delhi

NEW DELHI: The sealing of unauthorized commercial units in the capital resumed on Wednesday after a gap of about two months, targeting shops on three stretches notified for mixed land use.

The resumption of the sealing drive came after orders of the Supreme Court, which passed strictures on the civic body for approaching the Delhi State Election Commission on re-starting the drive in the wake of municipal polls.

Sealing squads, comprising officials of the civic body as well as the water and power departments, started sealing of shops on Main Road in Wazirabad village, Hostel Road in Sheikh Sarai and Africa Avenue Marg in South Delhi.

The squads were provided security cover by the Delhi Police.

On Monday in a meeting between MCD officials and Supreme Court-appointed monitoring committee, it was decided that action would first be taken against shops operating out of the upper floors of residential buildings on 573 roads notified for mixed land use.

The resumption of the drive assumes significance as it comes ahead of the April five MCD elections, with the ruling Congress wary of resuming the action fearing that it may harm its poll prospects.

Putting up a brave front, the Congress had sought to reassure the traders that only a 'negligible' number of properties may face action when the drive was renewed.

Traders in the capital have said they would approach the Apex Court again on the issue and also asked the Government to do so.