Illegal commercial units in residential areas shut down

In a major effort to put an end to the commercialisation of residential areas, the BBMP shut down nine illegal establishments in the West zone on Wednesday.

The officials jumped into action after Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara gave the directions at a meeting held on Tuesday.

Design Ventures, Innovative Teleservices, Lohia Corp Ltd, AGS Ventures, Wizardry Ventures, Brain Gym, Tierra, Greens, Time and Space Engineering and Constructions, all based in RMV extension, were shut down.

Health Officer Dr Suresh, who conducted the drive, said, “There were corporate offices, including software companies, construction, stock brokerage and media companies, functioning in residential areas. This is illegal and the BBMP had not issued trade licences.”

Suresh further said that according to zonal regulations, only 20% of the commercial establishments were allowed that, including ancillary shops such as grocery stores, medical stores etc.

“We witnessed a lot of resistance from the owners and proprietors. Still, we shut down these shops after issuing notices. We will continue our drive across all zones in the city,” he said.