Jagran Correspondent, New Delhi: The Municipal Corporation of Delhi's (MCD) action against illegal and unauthorised construction widened on Thursday to include commercial jewellery shops in the bustling streets of famous Chandni Chowk market.
A team of the corporation reached Delhi's famous bullion market, Kucha Mahajani, in the morning. The team was accompanied by a heavy police force.
As part of a campaign directed by CM Rekha Gupta, the team carried out a major sealing operation. Over 100 shops located on the ground floors and basements were sealed.
Shopkeepers alleged that the team of MCD's City SP Zone arrived at the market with police force at around 11:30 AM. In a swift operation, the MCD put notices on over 100 shops in three major buildings for violation of Master Plan-2021 rules and misuse of basements/buildings.
The team sealed all of the shops found violating construction and usage norms. The impromptu action by the authorities triggered resentment among bullion traders in the market. The All Bullion and Jewelers Association team said that shopkeepers were neither given any opportunity to prepare nor were they served prior notice.
The daily business for these shop owners came to a sudden halt today, with gold and silver jewellery and cash worth crores of rupees left locked inside the shops.
Shopkeepers alleged that upon arriving at their shops, they were immediately informed of the action, creating an atmosphere of uncertainty in the market.
Business organisations have questioned the administration's intentions behind the action. They alleged that, under the guise of an accident, only small merchants are being targeted and their businesses are being devastated.
Satya Niketan collapse and action thereafter
The MCD action has stemmed from the building collapse incident in Delhi's Satya Niketan. The building was a PG accommodation named 'Hostel Daze'.
The incident left 7 people, including 5 students, dead while five others were injured. The capital has seen multiple incidents of building collapse and fire in recent years, raising questions over the gross negligence of the municipal body.
The Delhi CM had suspended 5 officials, including the Deputy Commissioner. Later, a high-level meeting was also held by Delhi LG Taranjit Sing Sandhu.
The administration swung into action, and a structural audit was ordered. The MCD is conducting audits of PGs, private hostels and other buildings.