16 stores sealed in drive at Gurugram Sadar Bazar
The development comes nearly two months after MCG officials had carried out a drive on June 23, in which 79 shops were sealed.
The Municipal Corporation of Gurugram (MCG) sealed 16 shops at Sadar Bazar on Wednesday morning. The development comes nearly two months after MCG officials had carried out a drive on June 23, in which 79 shops were sealed.
Sadar Bazar is one of the oldest markets in Gurugram and MCG officials estimate that more than 12,000 people visit the area every day. According to MCG officials, the hour-long drive, which started around 8am, was carried out without any hindrance.
“MCG sealed 16 shops on Wednesday morning after their owners had continued to ignore repeated warnings. However, the owners can reclaim their property after submitting a deposit of Rs 25,000 and signing affidavits declaring that they will no longer encroach the main road of the market,” said SS Rohilla, public relations officer of MCG.
Despite calls and texts, Bablu Gupta, head of Sadar Bazaar Vyapar Mandal, could not be reached for a comment.
According to MCG officials, the deposit will be refunded after a period of three months, provided they are not found to be encroaching the common space again.
Following the sealing drive on June 23, encroachment in the market has reduced, MCG officials said.
They said it is important to ensure that the market stays encroachment-free as the area has narrow lanes and shops are clustered together, making them vulnerable to a fire.
“The issue of encroachment will once again be taken up with the shopkeepers on Thursday and strict action shall be taken against them. They would be directed to submit a substantiative fine and security deposit,” said Vivek Kalia, joint commissioner of MCG.