Centre suspends sealing in Delhi

NEW DELHI: Apparently with an eye on coming assembly elections in Congress-ruled Delhi, the Centre on Friday ordered suspension of sealing and demolition of illegal structures that came up in the national capital before December 31, 2005.

The order also envisages de-sealing of the commercial structures which had come up before that date. The directions by the Union Urban Development Ministry came in the wake of the action by the MCD and the DDA against encroachment and unauthorised construction following court orders.

The order to suspend sealing or demolition drive, which will be in force till December 31, 2008, will lead to a halt to the MCD’s ongoing drive against unauthorised structures, including demolition of illegal fourth and fifth floors of residential buildings.
The Congress government in the Capital has been under attack from opposition BJP over the sealing and demolition drives.

The party was ousted from power in Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) last year and the sealing and demolition drives were seen as a major factor in Congress’ defeat in the civic body elections.

According to the directions issued by the Centre, notwithstanding any judgment, decree or court order, steps shall be taken by the concerned local authority, including desealing of unauthorised commercial establishments, to maintain status quo as on January one, 2006.

Status quo will have to be maintained with respect to unauthorised colonies and village abadi area and its extension as on February eight, 2007.