NDMC seals ‘unauthorised’ portion of Delhi Gymkhana Club

A staff member at the Delhi Gymkhana Club said the sealed portion is near the second swimming pool constructed a year back.

The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) on Thursday sealed a portion of the 104-year-old Delhi Gymkhana Club, located in the heart of Lutyens’ Delhi, because of alleged unauthorised construction.

A staff member at the Delhi Gymkhana Club said the sealed portion is near the second swimming pool constructed a year back.

The action was in compliance with the Supreme Court-appointed committee that has ordered sealing of all illegal commercial establishments across the city.

“The portion inside the club has been constructed without authorisation and violates building norms. The area was sealed on Thursday. They didn’t have fire approval too for that particular portion,” NDMC’s chief architect Rajeev Sood said.

A staff member at the Delhi Gymkhana Club said the sealed portion is near the second swimming pool constructed a year back. The secretary of the club, air commodore (retired) Harjit Singh Sassan, could not be contacted for his comment despite multiple calls and a text message.

The municipal corporations are sealing properties that are misusing residential properties for commercial use, for non-payment of “use conversion charge”, buildings without clearances from the fire department and unauthorised constructions.

In the past month, the NDMC has sealed several outlets, restaurants and buildings in Connaught Place and Khan Market.

Last week, too, Courtyard Unplugged (on Wednesday) and Tamasha (on Thursday) in CP were sealed for unauthorised use of space for commercial activities.

Last month, parts of more than 20 Khan Market shops were also sealed for unauthorised construction and use of terrace space for commercial activities.