NEW DELHI: Even as traders and residents await the crucial verdict by the Supreme Court on illegal commercialisation of residential areas in the Capital, Municipal Councillors are continuing to pressurise the executive wing of the MCD to find out ways to de-seal shops targeted for misuse and residential properties with illegal structures across the Capital.

At MCD's Standing Committee meeting on Wednesday, they asked Municipal Commissioner A.K. Nigam to talk to the Supreme Court-appointed Monitoring Committee to allow de-sealing of shops and roads that have been notified for commercial and mixed land use by the Delhi Government.

They also sought clarification on the status of residential properties targeted for illegal constructions in the wake of new notification by the Union Urban Development Ministry giving relaxation in building by-laws and demanded their de-sealing.

However, Mr. Nigam categorically stated that de-sealing of shops and commercial establishments would begin only after orders from the Monitoring Committee. He, however, said the civic body would soon come out with a public notice regarding the changes in the building by-laws that have already been adopted by the MCD.

Mr. Nigam said the Additional Commissioner (Engineering) can order de-sealing of properties targeted for unauthorised constructions following the High Court order provided that the concerned Deputy Commissioner files a status report giving details about the property and recommending it for de-sealing.

Councillors also called for re-evaluation of categories of various colonies for property tax payment as demanded by residents of various areas.

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