Residential Colonies Turning into Commercial Hubs?

Manoj Kanta Dash,Odishabarta

Editor-in-Chief

BeMC Urged to Launch Massive Verification Drive Against Illegal Commercial Structures; “Produce Building Approvals or Face Sealing”

Supreme Court Has Sent a Clear Message

Brahmapur, August 5: Is Brahmapur silently witnessing the mushrooming of illegal commercial establishments in residential neighbourhoods? This question is gaining urgency as hundreds of shops and business units are reportedly operating from residential buildings across various localities, raising serious concerns over violations of municipal planning laws, consumer safety and revenue loss to the government.

An Odishabarta ground assessment indicates that in several residential colonies under the Berhampur Municipal Corporation (BeMC) and adjoining urban areas, houses originally approved for residential purposes have allegedly been converted into commercial complexes without visible evidence of statutory approvals or change-of-land-use permissions.

Mobile shops, grocery stores, ration outlets, fast-food centres, bakeries, pharmacies, coaching centres, hostels and other commercial establishments are operating from residential premises in many localities. Urban planning experts say that if such activities are being carried out without sanctioned commercial building plans or the required permissions, they constitute violations of municipal and development regulations.

Is There Any Verification?

Citizens are raising a series of questions:

Are these commercial premises operating with approved building plans?

Have they obtained valid Trade Licences from BeMC?

Do food establishments possess mandatory Food Safety licences?

Are weighing instruments verified under the Legal Metrology Act?

Are fire safety norms being followed wherever applicable?

Have commercial electricity connections been obtained where required?

Has commercial property tax been assessed and collected?

Residents say these questions deserve immediate answers through an official verification drive.

Consumer Safety Under the Scanner

Concerns have also been expressed over the quality of products allegedly sold in some colony-based establishments. Consumers have complained about suspected substandard or counterfeit packaged food items, edible oils, ghee, spices, flour, bakery products and other daily-use commodities. In addition, many residents allege that several neighbourhood shops charge prices significantly above the Maximum Retail Price (MRP) or prevailing market rates.

These allegations require thorough investigation by the Food Safety Department, Legal Metrology authorities, Civil Supplies officials and other enforcement agencies to safeguard consumers.

Supreme Court Has Sent a Clear Message

The Supreme Court has repeatedly held that unauthorized constructions and illegal commercial use of residential buildings cannot be permitted merely because they have existed for several years.

 Unauthorized deviations from sanctioned building plans are liable for action under the law.

The Housing and Urban Development Department has also directed urban local bodies to strictly enforce planning regulations. Municipal authorities across the country have been instructed to identify unauthorized constructions and initiate appropriate legal measures, including sealing and demolition wherever warranted.

Will BeMC Act?

Urban planners believe BeMC should undertake a comprehensive ward-wise survey to identify:

Residential buildings converted into commercial establishments.

Buildings constructed without approved plans.

Commercial activities operating without statutory licences.

Unauthorized extensions, encroachments and parking violations.

Buildings lacking occupancy or completion certificates.

Officials should also verify compliance with fire safety, sanitation, food safety and public health regulations.

Joint Enforcement Needed

Experts advocate a coordinated enforcement drive involving:

Berhampur Municipal Corporation (BeMC)

Berhampur Development Authority (BDA), wherever applicable

Food Safety Administration

Legal Metrology Department

Civil Supplies Department

Fire Services

Police

GST authorities, wherever violations are detected

Tata Power Commercial Meter ?

Such joint inspections would help identify illegal commercial activities while ensuring consumer protection and fair business practices.

Utilities May Also Face Action

Authorities are empowered under applicable laws to initiate closure proceedings against unauthorized establishments. In cases involving serious planning violations, essential services such as water and electricity connections may also be disconnected following due legal process.

Public Demands Transparency

Citizens are now demanding that BeMC publish the findings of any verification

drive and take uniform action against all violators, irrespective of their influence or status.

Urban planning regulations exist not merely to collect revenue but to protect public safety, regulate traffic, ensure adequate civic infrastructure and preserve the planned character of residential neighbourhoods.

With the Supreme Court calling for strict enforcement against unauthorized constructions across the country, all eyes are now on Berhampur Municipal Corporation. The crucial question remains:

Will BeMC launch a city-wide crackdown, or will illegal commercial activity in residential areas continue unchecked?