New Delhi: Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has identified over 21,000 properties used for commercial activities in residential areas during a survey of four lakh properties across its 12 zones, with sealing action initiated against several establishments found violating land-use norms.The civic body launched the survey on June 1 after a Supreme Court order in March 2026 directed local bodies in all state and Union territory capitals to act against the unauthorised commercial use of residential properties. The order, passed in Loganathan v. State of Tamil Nadu and Others, stemmed from a case involving an unauthorised structure in Chennai, which the court subsequently expanded into a pan-India exercise to check such violations.The properties were used for eateries, grocery shops, PGs, salons and other businesses in residential areas.According to a report shared by the civic body on action taken till Oct 13, conversion charges had been paid for around 12,000 of the properties identified, while the remaining 9,000 had either not paid the requisite charges or were carrying out activities that are not permissible in residential areas, such as large retail outlets, automobile repair shops, marriage halls, etc.“Of these 12,000 properties, over 6,500 are on roads notified for mixed land use. People on these streets can continue with commercial activities only when the owners or occupiers pay the conversion charges. Accordingly, we have issued them notices,” an official said.MCD has issued show-cause notices to property owners asking them to explain why their premises should not be sealed for violating land-use norms. Sealing action has also begun at some locations.Officials said that before issuing notices, the building department checked whether the activities were protected under relevant NCT of Delhi protection law or any court order. “We found three such cases where no action is being taken, while the zones have issued show-cause notices to over 6,500 properties,” an official said.The civic body has also initiated sealing proceedings against properties found violating the norms. According to the report, four properties in Central zone and 14 in Rohini zone have been taken up for sealing action. In Rohini, two properties have deposited the requisite conversion charges or misuse charges.The survey will continue in the coming days, with officials indicating that unauthorised colonies have not yet been covered. “Rohini zone has issued a certificate confirming completion of the survey of all properties, while Karol Bagh is expected to finish the task soon. After planned or regularised areas are completed, the focus will shift to residential properties in unauthorised colonies, including areas that have benefited from the PM-UDAY scheme,” an official said.
