SC panel finds illegal shops, construction on Mahipalpur bypass road, asks agencies to act

New Delhi: Supreme Court-constituted monitoring committee recently conducted a survey of the Mahipalpur-Vasant Kunj bypass road and its surrounding areas. During their visit, the committee discovered widespread unauthorised commercial activities and construction along this non-notified road."The committee inspected the areas of Mahipalpur, NH-48, Rajokri, Samalkha, Kapashera, Bijwasan, Bamnoli, Bharthal, Dhul Siras, Pochanpur and Dwarka on Sept 19. On both sides of the road, the committee found eateries, stacked construction materials, and illegal parking lots built on DDA land. Furthermore, guesthouses were found operating in the bylanes of Mahipalpur, violating the provisions of the MPD 2021," the committee stated in an inspection report.The report was forwarded to MCD, DDA and the sub-divisional magistrate office concerned for further action on Sept 24. The committee has instructed the agencies to conduct a thorough survey and take stringent action against the violators."While inspecting the NH-48, the committee observed that the seals affixed at the instance of the monitoring committee in Rangpuri have worn out over time. The deputy commissioner of the Najafgarh zone has been asked to re-affix the seal. Encroachments were also observed on the pavements all along Abdul Gunar Khan Marg (or Vasant Kunj Road) up to NH-48 Red Light," the committee added.The monitoring committee members also inspected the party venues and farmhouses booked for marriages at NH-48, and here too, they found rampant unauthorised construction. "On inquiry, the executive engineer of the building department submitted that a notice for unauthorised construction was already issued to a venue. But it was shocking to see that in spite of the notice being issued, the construction was going on in full swing," stated the committee.Further, misuse activities or construction activities were observed, and pandals of a permanent nature were found erected. These constructions were happening even when their operation is not allowed on agricultural land as per MPD-2021 and UBBL-2016. "Apart from MCD, revenue department officials are also directed to submit a separate report in this regard," the committee further stated.When questioned, an MCD official said that they were checking the status on the ground and would accordingly take action or submit a reply to the committee. "At Mahipalpur, a major portion, including places where guesthouses are operational, is part of unauthorised colonies and protected by the NCT of Delhi Laws (Special Provisions) Amendment Act, 2014. Further, a policy to host weddings and events in farmhouses was approved by MCD earlier and submitted in the apex court. We will still check the violations, take appropriate action and submit a report," the official added.DDA refused to comment on this matter.