80 shops sealed in Gurugram

Sumedha Sharma

Tribune News Service

Gurugram, June 22

Taking a tough stand against encroachment, the Gurugram Municipal Corporation (MC) sealed over 80 shops in Sadar Bazaar here on Friday for renting out the area in front of the entrance to squatters.

The MC had been asking shopkeepers for the past few months to discontinue allowing ‘rehris’ in front of their shops in lieu of rent, but to no avail.

When these traders reached their shops around 9 am on Friday, they found MC notices pasted on the shutters, informing them that the shops had been sealed. This led to an uproar, with shopkeepers seeking the help of politicians, but the MC refused to budge.

“It had become difficult to pass through the market on foot with ‘rehriwalas’ on both sides. Shopkeepers were getting high rent and continued to be indifferent despite repeated meetings, notices and warnings. Had fire ever broken out, we would have faced difficulties in dealing with the situation. We had to take this step, which would act as a deterrent,” said Municipal Commissioner Yashpal Yadav.

Lead by by MC Joint Commissioner Vivek Kalia, the team recorded videos for days of shops allowing encroachment and went ahead with the exercise after identifying the culprits.

“We were forced to act. We sealed the shops during the wee hours. We will repeat it in parallel lanes if the defaulters do not stop. Those promoting encroachment in lieu of illegal rent will be taken to task. We will de-seal the shops if the traders submit an affidavit promising not to indulge in the practice and pay Rs 25,000 as refundable security,” said Kalia.