MCD seals over 50 jewellery shops in Chandni Chowk over unauthorised basement use
PTC News Desk: The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) on Thursday sealed 54 jewellery shops in Delhi's Chandni Chowk, leaving all the gold and silver jewellery worth of lakhs locked inside the premises.
The sealing action took place at Kucha Mahajani around 11.30 am, according to Yogesh Singhal, president of the All India Bullion and Jewellers Association.
Traders said notices were put up at several shops across multiple buildings before the MCD carried out the sealing action simultaneously.
The move comes as the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has intensified its drive against dangerous and unauthorised buildings following the Satya Niketan building collapse, in which seven people were killed.
Traders question action
The All India Bullion and Jewellers Association questioned whether traders alone should face the consequences following the Satya Niketan tragedy.
"The question to consider is whether, after the Satya Niketan tragedy, only traders will have to bear the brunt of this tragedy or whether action will also be taken against any government department and politicians," the association said in a statement.
Traders alleged that MCD officials and police reached Kucha Mahajani and carried out the action without giving them prior notice. They said several shopkeepers only came to know about the action after reaching their shops.
The All India Bullion and Jewellers Association also questioned whether traders alone should be held responsible following the Satya Niketan tragedy.
The notice directed the concerned parties to stop the misuse of basements and bring the premises within the permitted use under Master Plan-2021 within 48 hours.
It further warned that the premises could be sealed if the basement continued to be used for commercial activities.
- PTC NEWS
