THE Bhopal Municipal Corporation’s (BMC) widely publicised drive to seal illegal commercial establishments in residential zones fell flat on Thursday, as most targeted businesses remained open despite the expiry of a 10-day notice period. Although civic officials had promised decisive action following the deadline, enforcement was largely absent on the ground, leaving residents frustrated after years of raising complaints. Unfulfilled promises and onground inaction The municipal body had earlier claimed it had identified nearly 1,000 unauthorised commercial set-ups across Bhopal, warning that sealing operations would commence on Thursday. However, field checks by local resident groups revealed that, apart from token actions against a few small vendors, major commercial outlets in prime localities like Arera Colony and Rohit Nagar operated without interruption. Mounting legal pressure and contempt warning The civic body’s inaction has intensified scrutiny from local residents and legal petitioners.

 

Following an ongoing petition in the High Court filed by resident Purnendu Shukla and others, district and municipal authorities are already facing judicial inquiry. Invoking recent Supreme Court mandates ordering immediate action against commercial misuse of residential plots, resident Vivek Tripathi warned that a contempt petition will be filed in the apex court if the BMC fails to enforce compliance. Residents noted that similar apex court guidelines have already driven strict enforcement in other cities like Meerut. Accusations of selective enforcement The United Residents Welfare Committee accused municipal authorities of undertaking symbolic measures to shield influential commercial operators while ignoring blatant violations. Resident associations highlighted that several large commercial buildings continue to function without valid Building Completion Certificates and in direct violation of approved plans. Reaffirming their faith in the judiciary, resident groups stated they will push for strict enforcement through legal channels to restore planned land use across residential neighbourhoods.