BHUBANESWAR: The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) will conduct an extensive survey to identify residential buildings misused for commercial activities, following a recent Supreme Court directive scrutinizing municipal bodies across the nation.
This initiative follows the Supreme Court’s hearings related to an unauthorized commercial establishment in Chennai, which mandated all municipal corporations to inspect residential areas that have been illegally converted into non-residential spaces.
The court has included all relevant civic bodies in the case, increasing accountability for urban local authorities throughout the country. City Mayor Sulochana Das announced that preparations will begin upon receiving the official directive, with teams formed at the ward level to survey residential colonies, apartment complexes, and housing societies.
These teams will examine properties being used as offices, shops, coaching centers, clinics, and guesthouses without the necessary permissions, and actions will be taken as required. “We will adhere to the directives and submit a comprehensive report as needed,” she stated.
The Supreme Court has expressed serious concern over widespread violations of building regulations and land-use policies in its recent judgment. BMC officials indicated that warnings have already been issued to entities engaged in such illegal practices. This new survey will extend across the entire municipal area, including outskirts of the city.
In dismissing appeals against actions taken against an illegal structure in Chennai, the court criticized the failure of municipal oversight, emphasizing that such buildings could not have been established without significant local authority neglect. In this case, a two-story building was constructed without valid approval.
The bench highlighted the rising trend of residential neighborhoods being transformed into commercial spaces, leading to civic stress, environmental issues, and difficulties for legitimate residents. The court ordered the state government to thoroughly investigate how these structures could be erected without appropriate sanctions.
In Bhubaneswar, the misuse of residential properties for commercial purposes has long been a concern, particularly in well-planned residential neighborhoods and upscale communities. Residents have consistently reported problems including traffic congestion, parking issues, noise pollution, and pressure on water and sewage systems.
Urban planners believe the Supreme Court’s intervention could mark a significant turning point. “This is the first time this issue is being evaluated on a national scale. Civic bodies will now be under direct judicial observation,” noted Dipu Nanda, a city-based urban planner. The Supreme Court has instructed municipal commissioners to submit personally verified affidavits detailing any violations.
