BHOPAL Municipal Corporation (BMC) is preparing to resume action against commercial establishments operating in residential areas, nearly a month after its sealing drive was halted. Officials are working on a fresh action plan based on provisions in the draft Master Plan-2047. Notices may precede sealing: The draft has left some traders uncertain about the future of the sealing drive. The civic body has indicated that action will be based on the draft provisions, with notices likely to be issued first, followed by sealing of properties that fail to comply with applicable rules. Some activities may be regularised: The draft provides for regularisation of certain eligible non-residential activities already operating in residential areas, subject to specified conditions. Property owners would have to pay prescribed fees and comply with planning, parking and infrastructure requirements. Eligible owners may be given one year to complete the regularisation process after notification of the final development plan. Eligibility depends on prior use: The draft issued on September 26 states that unauthorised construction or a change in land use will not automatically become legal. Regularisation would be considered only for properties where non-residential activity existed before the draft was issued, commercial property tax was being paid and a commercial electricity connection had been obtained. Road width to determine usage:The extent of permissible commercial activity in residential areas will depend on road width.

 

Roads narrower than 12 metres would primarily allow residential and professional activities on one floor, while wider roads could permit a broader range of uses, including banks, medical stores, restaurants and showrooms. Non-residential use would generally be limited to 50% of the permissible FAR. Fees and parking requirements apply: Eligible property owners seeking regularisation would have to pay an occupancy-change fee equal to 20% of the difference between commercial and residential collector guideline rates. Infrastructure charges, parking compensation and other applicable statutory fees would also be payable. The provisions would apply only to buildings existing when the draft was issued and would not legalise future unauthorised commercial use. Supreme Court orders to guide action: BMC Deputy Commissioner Bhuvan Gupta said that a new action plan would be prepared based on the draft Master Plan-2047 provisions. He added that compliance with Supreme Court orders would also be ensured. Five police teams deployed across three states; search continues CCTV tracks suspect’s movements: Police said Agrawal’s mobile phone, cash and other belongings were missing after the murder. CCTV footage showed Varun walking around 200 metres from the crime scene before boarding a motorcycle on the route towards Bhopal railway station. The motorcycle’s registration number could not be identified due to poor footage. Police probe multiple murder angles: Police are examining CCTV footage from private cameras and mobile-phone data from the area during the relevant period to trace Varun’s movements. ADCP Crime Branch Shailendra Singh Chauhan said the motive would become clearer after the accused is arrested and questioned.