MCD seals Vaishali Farms

NEW DELHI: The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has sealed a three-storeyed property and sent demolition notices to two others for unauthorised construction in Kapashera village in southwest Delhi.
The under-construction properties were to be used as offices and shopping complexes.
The properties are close to the airport and National Highway-8 and situated on ‘‘extended abadi land’’.According to an order passed by the municipal commissioner in 1963, abadi land can only be used for residential and not for commercial purposes.
Civic officials, however, say that there is a growing trend to construct commercial properties in the area which is a gross misuse of the order. This is similar to the unauthorised construction in Mehrauli-Gurgaon Road 1 and 2. MCD had sent notices to Vaishali Farms, a 10,000-sq m plot where a basement and three-storeys were under construction in December. ‘‘The owners got a stay against the demolition order, so we have finally sealed the property,’’ MCD deputy commissioner (Najafgarh zone) Rahul Dua said.
Demolition notices have been sent to two other adjoining buildings that were also under construction. According to MCD sources, there is a growing number of cases of misuse in Kapashera area due to the National Highway. ‘‘These areas are close to the airport and the eight lane national highway. Property prices have just shot up in Gurgaon, Kapashera and Palam areas,’’ Dua added.
Officials agree that builders in connivance with junior MCD officials were buying village land at throw-away prices for commercial purpose. ‘‘Over 12 smaller plots were acquired to construct huge buildings in the area. People are taking advantage of the old order because permission for construction is exempted unless the builder is constructing a factory, slaughter house, warehouse or similar commercial use,’’ a senior MCD official said.