The MCD's demolition drive has not even spared the Japanese government that is now raising doubts over the department's style of functioning.
The MCD's Central Zone staff had on December 21 sealed the Japanese Foundation office in Lajpat Nagar. The MCD gave no prior notice about the action, foundation officials said. The propery at 5-A Lajpat Nagar IV was selected by the Japanese government after a careful review.
"We had taken the building on lease from a person (the building is owned by one Indi Johal who is based in London) who had assured us that there will be no problems. We were told that the building confirms to the sanctioned plan,” said Raja Ram Panda, Chief Program Officer of the Japan Foundation.
The Japanese government had renovated the entire building. But the problem had just begun. "The office was sealed on December 21, 2005 by the MCD staff without any prior notice on the grounds of carrying out commercial activity in residential area. We were planning to move into the office soon," Panda said. He said he has a copy of the MCD's inspection report which states that there are no deviations in the building and it is being constructed according to the building plan. "The sealing has sent a wrong signal,” Panda said.
However, MCD officials have their own version to the story: "The corporation found unauthorized construction in this building. It was clearly violating the building by-laws and that is why we sealed it," said an official.
{{/usCountry}}However, MCD officials have their own version to the story: "The corporation found unauthorized construction in this building. It was clearly violating the building by-laws and that is why we sealed it," said an official.
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