THE Bhopal Municipal Corporation’s (BMC) sealing drive against illegal commercial use of residential land is facing embarrassment as sealed shops and outlets are openly running again, even after the Supreme Court’s written order on September 22. Despite issuing over 8,200 notices after identifying 62,500 establishments for scrutiny, BMC officially sealed only 10 properties. On paper, over 170 were shown as closed, but ground checks show shutters up at several locations where action was taken on August 31, when 109 establishments were shut in a single day. The reason is weak follow-up. BMC mostly relied on voluntary closures and posters instead of physical sealing. Three sealed premises allegedly broke their seals and resumed business. After complaints that shops closed in the morning reopened in the evening, the Supreme Court flagged the issue during its hearing and has now issued its written order dated September 22 to BMC, directing strict compliance.

 

Reacting to the reopening reports, BMC Deputy Commissioner Bhuvan Gupta said, “Our teams are re-checking all sealed locations. If any shop or outlet is found opened or operating against the rules, strict action will be taken as per the Supreme Court’s directions.” Further action is also linked to the MP High Court’s joint hearing on Monday on around 101 stay vacation petitions. BMC is expected to issue a 24-hour ultimatum in Arera Colony and Rohit Nagar if stays are vacated. In the latest update on September 27, the draft Bhopal Development Plan 2047 was released, expanding the planning area to 1,016 sq km. Officials clarified it offers no blanket relief- mixed-use permission will depend on road width, not automatic regularisation. The ball is now in BMC’s court to enforce its own seals.