Thousands of shops across Delhi are facing the threat of sealing by the MCD for defaulting on conversion charges - a mandatory payment when commercial or mixed land use is permitted on roads in residential areas.
The MCD drive will begin in its south zone, where markets are being
surveyed and a list of defaulters being prepared. The list includes those who haven't paid conversion charges at all or only paid partially.
The shops are spread in markets in Hauz Khas, Green Park, South Extension, Kalkaji, Saket, Malviya Nagar, Yusuf Sarai, Africa Avenue and Lajpat Nagar. 
"We have started sending notices to the traders. Thereafter, we will start sealing the shops," said Vikas Anand, MCD deputy commissioner (south zone).
Sources said the south zone has so far listed 500 defaulters, but the total number could be up to 2000.
Residential properties on notified roads were allowed commercial activity under the 2021 Delhi Masterplan, but the owners were to pay one-time parking and registration charges and an annual conversion charge.
The charges vary across the city's eight categories of A to H. In category A that covers the most posh areas, a small shop (20 sq metres) will have to pay at least R15,000 per year as conversion charges and a showroom (200 sq metres) R8 lakh.
In 2011-12, the south zone has collected only R10 crore in conversion charges - R6 crore less than last year.