A delegation of traders from Bhopal recently approached Madhya Pradesh’s Urban Development and Housing Minister, Kailash Vijayvargiya, seeking governmental intervention to safeguard their businesses against potential sealing actions. This meeting was prompted by a recent Supreme Court ruling that has clarified the stance on commercial establishments operating within residential zones. The traders highlighted the urgent need for a mixed land-use policy to address their concerns.

Demand for Mixed Land-Use Policy

Anand Soni, president of Vyapari Mahasangh (Naya Bhopal), emphasised the necessity of implementing a mixed land-use policy, akin to a model introduced by Gujarat in 2022. He stated that this policy would allow for the regularisation of commercial establishments that have been functioning in residential areas, provided a prescribed fee is paid. The urgency of this request is underscored by the Municipal Corporation’s identification of approximately 30,000 properties at risk of sealing, with projections suggesting this number could escalate to between 50,000 and 60,000.

Soni indicated that if sealing actions were to proceed as suggested, nearly 90 per cent of the businesses in Bhopal could face closure. The repercussions of this situation would not only impact traders but also the common citizens who rely on these businesses for goods and services. He pointed out that the absence of a Master Plan for the Bhopal area for the last 21 years has exacerbated the current predicament.

The traders conveyed that had there been a formal Master Plan or effective policies enacted during this time, the current challenges might have been averted. The Supreme Court’s directives concerning commercial operations are applicable across various states; however, the traders argued that Bhopal’s unique circumstances, particularly its long-standing lack of a Master Plan, warrant a different approach.

Minister’s Assurance of Legal Review

In response to the traders’ requests, Minister Vijayvargiya assured the delegation that their concerns would be taken seriously. He communicated his commitment to seeking legal advice and representing their position before the government and the Supreme Court as necessary. The Minister acknowledged the seriousness of the situation, especially given its connection to a Supreme Court order, and pledged to explore potential legal avenues to ensure that traders are not disproportionately affected.

Govind Goyal, president of the Bhopal Chamber of Commerce, reiterated the Minister’s commitment to consult senior legal officials to find a viable resolution. Goyal highlighted that the government has previously engaged in collecting commercial land-use fees from businesses operating in residential zones and issued necessary registrations, thus implicating the government’s responsibility in protecting these traders against sealing actions.

Moreover, Goyal underscored the importance of introducing a Master Plan for Bhopal. Such a plan would facilitate better urban infrastructure, enhance traffic management, and ensure the development of essential services like roads and drainage systems. He reiterated the traders’ collective appeal for the government’s prompt action in this regard to foster a more organised and functional urban environment.

Government’s Next Steps

Minister Vijayvargiya stated that the government would take a comprehensive look at all legal options while adhering to the Supreme Court’s requirements. He confirmed the formation of a team that would consist of officers and legal experts tasked with identifying a sustainable solution that permits traders to continue their activities with minimal disruption.

Furthermore, he specified that should it be deemed necessary, the state government would not hesitate to advocate for the traders in the Supreme Court. Addressing the demand for a Master Plan, Vijayvargiya revealed that the Urban Development Department has already finalised its work and submitted a proposal to Chief Minister Mohan Yadav for further consideration. This proposed plan aims to ameliorate the urban landscape of Bhopal significantly.

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