MCD orders survey to identify residential properties being used for commercial purposes

The Municipal Corporation of Delhi has directed its zonal deputy commissioners to carry out a comprehensive, time-bound survey to identify residential premises being misused for commercial and other non-residential purposes across the national capital.

The order issued on April 20 followed directions from the Supreme Court of India, which has asked municipal bodies in capital cities to conduct a detailed inquiry and place verified findings on record.

In its official order, the civic body said the exercise would cover all residential colonies, including unauthorised and regularised areas, group housing societies and plotted developments, as well as “islands” or pockets falling within or are surrounded by MCD jurisdiction.

The officials have been asked to conduct field surveys and prepare zone-wise lists of violations, ensuring that the data is accurate, verified and backed by documentary evidence. The information will form the basis of an affidavit to be filed before the apex court.

The order also calls for fixing responsibility in cases of omission or incorrect reporting.

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Further, the compiled report is to be submitted to the additional commissioner (engineering) within seven days for consolidation, with the final affidavit to be personally affirmed by the MCD commissioner, Sanjeev Khirwar.

Stating that any delay or laxity would be viewed seriously, the MCD has marked the exercise as “most urgent/top priority”.