Date:06/04/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/04/06/stories/2006040624090300.htm

New Delhi

MCD squads seal 458 illegal shops

Staff Reporter

Seventh day of the drive saw subdued protests by traders

NEW DELHI: Continuing with its sealing drive across the city, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi squads on Wednesday targeted 458 illegal commercial establishments running illegally from residential premises. The seventh day of the ongoing drive saw subdued protests by traders at a few places, while a large number of them preferred to visit the civic body's zonal offices and submit affidavits to prevent sealing of their illegal shops.

Accompanied by a large number of security personnel, the MCD squads carried out the sealing exercise in the 11 civic zones. It was only at a few places including Rohini, Sadar Bazar, Karol Bagh and Nangloi that some traders came out on the streets to lodge their protests against the drive. Though they raised slogans against Delhi Government and the MCD, they did not disrupt the drive.

Major areas that were covered during the drive included Arya Samaj Road and Patel Road in the Karol Bagh zone where 112 properties were sealed, Kingsway Camp (Guru Teg Bahadur Nagar) in Civil Lines zone where 72 shops were sealed and Rohtak Road in Najafgarh zone where 54 commercial establishments were targeted.

Similarly, sealing action was also carried out at Road No.57 near Madhu Vihar and Gagan Vihar in Shahdara-South zone (42 shops), Idgah Road and Sadar Thana Rod in City zone (38), Rohini Sector 16 and 17 (36), Maharaja Agrasen Marg (32), Road No.66 in Shahdara-North zone (26) and Hansraj Gupta Market in Greater Kailash-I (23). So far the MCD has sealed 2,845 commercial establishments.

On one hand the MCD squads carried out sealing exercise, on the other hand a large number of traders submitted their affidavits in different zonal offices to seek relaxation from sealing till June 30. Some traders whose shops have already been sealed are also submitting their affidavits urging to de-seal their premises so that they could remove their goods and items.

Meanwhile, the MCD has decided to receive affidavits from traders on Thursday also. Despite being a holiday on account of Ram Navmi, all deputy commissioners offices will receive affidavits between 9 a.m. and 5-30 p.m. The Supreme Court has allowed traders to submit affidavits till April 7.