THE Bhopal Municipal Corporation (BMC) Council meeting turned stormy on Wednesday as councillors debated commercial licence fees, property taxes and action against commercial activities in residential areas. The House approved several proposals to lease or rent vacant municipal properties, while the proposal to rent out the Son Chiraiya Hawkers’ Corner was referred back to the MIC for reconsideration. The meeting began nearly 40 to 50 minutes late after Chamber of Commerce President Govind Goyal and other traders submitted a memorandum. Traders also staged a peaceful protest outside the ISBT council venue against notices issued by the BMC to establishments accused of carrying out commercial activities in residential areas. COUNCIL SEEKS LICENCE FEE WITHDRAWAL:The House agreed to send a proposal to the State Government seeking withdrawal of the commercial licence fee. Council Chairman Kishan Suryavanshi supported the move, saying the fee was introduced during the administrator’s tenure and was applicable specifically to Bhopal. MIC member Ravindra Yati also supported its withdrawal. OPPOSITION QUESTIONS TAX INCREASE: Leader of Opposition Shabista Zaki alleged that property tax had effectively been increased by changing the tax zones after the budget. Mayor Malti Rai rejected the allegation, saying the zones are revised every year as part of the prescribed process. Zaki questioned why the changes were not clearly mentioned during the budget presentation. CONGRESS DEMANDS MASTER PLAN:Congress councillors surrounded the Chairman’s podium demanding immediate implementation of the Bhopal Master Plan. They questioned why commercial charges had been collected from businesses for decades if their activities were now being treated as unauthorised.

 

Councillors also demanded clarity on the future of businesses operating in residential areas. VACANT PROPERTIES CLEARED FOR LEASING: The House approved proposals to lease or rent several vacant municipal properties by majority vote. These included the PRO office at New Market, the Building Permission office near Shahpura, vacant offices at ISBT, space at Harshvardhan Complex near Mata Mandir and part of the Smart City office at BHEL, Govindpura. SMART CITY RENT DRAWS OBJECTIONS: The proposal to rent out part of the Smart City office at a monthly rent of Rs 6.98 lakh drew objections as the property itself is leased to the corporation by BHEL. The Opposition also raised concerns over provisions limiting rental arrangements to 11 months. Despite the objections, the House approved the proposal. SON CHIRAIYA PROPOSAL SENT BACK:The proposal to rent out the women’s Son Chiraiya Hawkers’ Corner opposite Nutan College was referred back to the MIC. Congress councillor Yogendra Singh Guddu Chauhan objected to tea and snack stalls near the girls’ college, citing safety and nuisance concerns. Other councillors suggested using the space for events, while the mayor proposed leasing it with strict conditions. ROADS AND WATERLOGGING GO UNADDRESSED: Congress councillor Mohammad Sarvar raised concerns over damaged roads and water-logging, but the issues did not lead to a detailed discussion. Opposition councillors said several roads remain dug up and potholes have become a daily problem for residents, particularly after the rains. DRINKING WATER QUALITY SPARKS ROW:Congress councillor Naseem Gafur questioned the cleaning of drinking water tanks across the city’s 85 wards and alleged that residents in several areas were receiving contaminated water.

 

MIC member Ravindra Yati displayed photographs of a water tank near DB Mall and said any tank could be inspected. He offered to face action if the tank was found unclean. HOUSING PROJECT PAYMENTS QUESTIONED:Zaki questioned the delay in the Housing for All project at Bagmugalia. MIC member Chhaya Thakur said the earlier contractor had failed to work between 2019 and 2024, following which the contract was terminated and work was assigned to another contractor. Zaki questioned why work in Bagmugalia was being paid for through a project in the Number 12 area, raising concerns over the arrangement. Thakur rejected any allegation of irregularity. COMMERCIAL ACTIVITY ISSUE SPARKS DEBATE: Congress councillor Shireen Khan sought details of action against commercial activities in residential areas following the Supreme Court order. She asked whether small establishments such as salons and beauty parlours would also come under the drive. TANK CLEANING NEEDS DATE DISPLAY: Senior councillor Mohammad Sarvar suggested that the cleaning date should be displayed at every drinking water tank after cleaning. He said this would help residents monitor the maintenance of tanks and ensure accountability over water quality. COUNCIL ADJOURNED AFTER HEATED SESSION: The meeting witnessed repeated exchanges between ruling and Opposition councillors over civic issues, tax collection and commercial activity. After councillors raised their questions and several matters were discussed, the council was eventually adjourned.