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