MCD policy to allow commercial activities in residential areas is a decision that needs a closer look. Govt. has permitted professionals, doctors, lawyers and chartered accountants to set up offices in residential areas. The policy relief was for owner professionals who live in the same building. While such a policy is boon for professionals who live in the same building, as they do not need to travel and save time and cost besides convenience. Such a policy is welcome and beneficial to the Society at the same time it has become a bane for those residents who are surrounded by them.
Residential properties on main / wider roads (more than 18 meters) have been allowed to have commercial activities by changing the land use. Consequently a number of mini hospitals, banks, showrooms, pre- school centers, guest houses/ hotels etc. get established. Hans Raj Gupta Marg in Greater Kailash-1 is a glaring example. Since there is no parking space in these buildings, visitors end up parking vehicles on the road, sometimes, double lane parking, leading to narrowing of Hans Raj Gupta Marg, leaving hardly any space for traffic movement. Traffic jams during the 10.00 to 19.00 hours is a common sight.
Unfortunately, in absence of strict compliance and monitoring of the objectives and provisions of the policy, a large number of commercial offices have come up in residential areas beyond the policy causing inconvenience to residents. Some doctors have set up clinics and nursing homes in residential areas using this policy causing inconvenience to neighbours.
Offices in residential areas have come up in rented basements and floors by professionals which are against the spirit of the policy. Such professionals set up offices in residential blocks where they have 3 / 4 staff members staying whole day and many visitors during the day. Fake name plates are used by some to camouflage real business and identity. Staff members mostly youth, during the breaks are seen smoking, loudly talking and giggling disturbing the senior citizen residents. Staff and visitors bring vehicles causing huge parking challenge to already overflowing parking space and add to pollution (noise and air quality) in the area. Staff, drivers and visitors of these commercial offices add to people and vehicle movement in the area. Situation leads to unpleasant scenes of confrontation among neighbors at times. Residential blocks are expected to be peaceful without hustle and bustle of commercial activity. Residential colonies are expected to give comfort of security, convenience and healthy living environment to residents.
There is need for MCD, DDA and Town planning experts to intervene to restore quality of life of residents of residential colonies like GK1 and make residential colonies peaceful with minimal commercial activities. Commercial activities should be limited to local shopping centers.
