NDMC seals CP kiosk for encroachment

The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) has swung into action after the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) issued directions to crack down on errant officers allowing encroachment, and occupants encroaching on public places. The Council on Thursday sealed a beverage kiosk in Connaught Place for encroaching on the pavement.

According to NDMC officials, the kiosk was originally allotted to be run as a flower kiosk, however, the owner had "illegally transferred" the property to a beverage owner.

"We have sealed the kiosk, as it was illegally being used as a godown. The owner was distributing beverages in the area from here. There were crates of beverage containers stuffed on the pavement," a senior enforcement officer said.

The kiosk near gate number 6 of Palika Bazar was given on a license fee of Re 1 to one Ramesh Kumar in 1983, which was not on market rate, in lieu of the National Bravery Award given to him in 1982.

Court Ruling

The matter was under litigation after the owner approached the Delhi High Court claiming the transfer was authorised.However, the court noted the violations and ruled in favour of the Council.