Delhi Bandh: Traders continue strike for 2nd day, these places to remain closed today
The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) have called for a two-day 'Delhi bandh' starting from February 2-3 as they are protesting against the sealing drive carried out by the Muncipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD).
The traders are protesting against the Central government-led municipal corporation who have been sealing the entities that are allegedly using residential properties for commercial puropse.
Connaught Place, Chandni Chowk, Karol Bagh, Kamla Nagar, Khan Market, Gandhi Nagar, Krishna Nagar, Lajpat Nagar, Defence Colony, South Extension, Greater Kailash, Green Park, Rajouri Garden, Tilak Nagar and Rajinder Nagar.
Praveen Khandelwal, National Secretary General, Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT), which announced the 48-hour 'Delhi Trade Bandh' from Friday, told reports that around seven lakh businesses across Delhi remained closed on Friday.
DDA's proposed amendments to the Master Plan include increasing Floor Area Ratio (FAR) of local shopping complexes (LSCs) from existing 180 per cent to 300 per cent and regularising agricultural godowns on 12 metre wide roads.
Also, there will be a reduction in conversion charge penalties from existing 10 times to two times and commercial activity in the basements will be allowed in all commercial areas "subject to payment of requisite charges without any discrimination".
"The board has approved these changes. They will now be put in the public domain for three days and a meeting will be called after that," DDA member and BJP legislator Vijender Gupta said.
The Former Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, expressing concern over the impact of the sealing drive on the traders in the national capital, and suggested that legalities for mixed land use be notified.
"A similar situation was faced in the year 2006 when I was Chief Minister of Delhi. At the request of my government, the then central government issued an ordinance to save the properties," the senior Congress leader said in the letter.
"2,183, roads were notified to save properties practicing business and trade. In the same order basements were allowed to be used by professionals to ensure continuity of their profession. Sadly properties are being sealed even in the notified areas," she said.
