MCD shuts South Ex store

South Extension — one of Delhi’s busiest shopping hubs and home to the big clothing, accessory and furniture brands — is facing the sealing threat once again.

South Extension — one of Delhi’s busiest shopping hubs and home to the big clothing, accessory and furniture brands — is facing the sealing threat once again.

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The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) on Thursday put its signature lock and seal on the doors of Big Jo's, one of the big department stores on the street, and another property for illegal construction and misuse of property.

The civic agency said its building department will conduct a survey of the entire market, starting Friday, to find out if illegal construction is being

carried out and if the rules of Masterplan 2021 are being

violated. Properties that are in violation will be sealed. The MCD will also initiate demolition action, if needed.

“Although the South Extension main road has been notified a commercial street, owners are required to comply with the conditions of the Masterplan,” said a senior MCD official.

On Thursday’s action, the official said: “They had demolished certain parts of the showroom and were carrying out construction without seeking permission. Also, they had covered areas of the building that should not have been covered.”

The agency will send a report to a Supreme Court-appointed monitoring committee tasked with looking into issues of misuse of residential premises.