MEERUT: Following a Supreme Court ruling from July 14, the Uttar Pradesh Housing and Development Board (UPHDB) has begun the demolition process for 44 sealed properties in the Shastri Nagar Residential Scheme No. 7, a key residential and commercial zone in Meerut.
Officials reported that the survey of these properties is complete and a 15-day notice will soon be sent to the property owners.
Deputy Housing Commissioner Anil Kumar Singh stated on Wednesday that 859 properties are affected by the Supreme Court’s decision, including the 44 sealed shops in the Central Market, around 350 houses for the Economically Weaker Section (EWS), and approximately 150-200 residences for low-income groups.
Singh confirmed that action is being initiated against the 44 sealed shops, with notices to be issued in the coming days.
He mentioned that if the illegal constructions are not voluntarily removed within the notice period, the Board will carry out the demolitions and recoup costs from the property owners.
Singh also noted the Supreme Court’s directive to identify and take action against properties used for commercial purposes in other residential areas.
“We will first complete the action against the 44 sealed shops and then conduct a drive in other parts of the city as per the court’s order,” Singh elaborated.
A team from the revenue department has undertaken measurements for buildings with multiple owners to prevent disputes and accurately assess illegal constructions, he added.
Some traders have raised concerns about action being taken without prior notice. However, they were informed about the survey in a meeting, and all concerned parties will receive notices as per regulations before any demolition occurs, Singh stated.
According to Board officials, owners of buildings with approved plans but illegal constructions in setback areas must remove the unauthorized structures within 15 days of notice or face legal action.
Additionally, measures will be taken following the Supreme Court’s orders against properties that have been entirely converted from residential to commercial use without approved building plans.
The setback area refers to the legally mandated open space that must be retained between a building’s outer walls and the plot boundaries.
The next Supreme Court hearing on this issue is set for September 21.
Meanwhile, the affected traders are worried about their future and livelihoods.
Alok Som, a textile trader in the area, mentioned that his 43-year-old shop is essential for his family’s income. He lamented that while his shop has been closed for three months, household expenses, medical bills, and children’s education costs continue to rise.
“If actions proceed in this way, businesses built over years and the livelihoods of thousands will be severely impacted,” Som said.
He added that even if the government provides alternative premises, the established business connections and customer base cannot be easily replaced.
Som expressed concern about his family’s financial strain, which includes five members, some of whom are elderly and require care.
Sanjay Verma, a goldsmith, stated that he has run his shop since 1996 and now faces an uncertain future due to the court ruling. He appealed for practical solutions for the affected traders from the government.
Manoj Garg, a saree merchant, described the order as distressing, stating it jeopardizes decades of hard work and threatens the livelihood of many traders.
Vineet Agarwal Sharda, the state convenor of BJP’s trade cell, has reached out to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, highlighting the traders’ plight and requesting a humane resolution that respects the court order while protecting livelihoods.
