Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): Despite clear regulations from Bhopal Municipal Corporation (BMC) prohibiting commercial activities in basements, several establishments continue to operate openly in MP Nagar area. The basements have gaming zones, restaurant bars, clubs and study libraries that raise concerns over safety and adherence to city planning norms.
Three such gaming zones one in MP Nagar Zone-1 and two in Zone-2 are operating without permit. Additionally, two restaurant bars, a club, and two restaurants are running in basements in Zone-2. Gaming zone, Infinity Gaming, in Zone-2 area, also runs a small kitchen. These unauthorised establishments, which attract hundreds of visitors of different age groups daily, lack basic fire safety measures and thus pose a serious threat to public safety.
BMC city planner OP Goyal told Free Press that as per BMC’s building permission and city planning rules, commercial activities in any building basement has been prohibited. He further said that basements could only be used for vehicle parking and storage (excluding the storage of flammable substances). Any other use is against city planning regulations.
Anup, the general manager of a restaurant, told Free Press that their basement operations were temporary due to ongoing construction. He assured that fire safety measures would be in place soon. When contacted, MP Nagar SDM LK Khade said it was BMC’s responsibility to act against unauthorised establishments.
Functioning without checks
In July, inspections were carried out at over a dozen coaching center basements under supervision of SDM Ashutosh Sharma. Seven centres found conducting classes and running offices in violation of the rules were sealed. However, operator of a study library situated in basement in MP Nagar claimed it had been functioning for years without checks.
BMC chairman Kishan Suryawanshi highlighted the challenges in enforcement, noting that these violations were in place for years. While BMC regularly issues warnings, building owners often continue using basements for commercial purposes.
“Without stricter traffic management near these buildings, it will be challenging to reclaim basements for parking. I urge traffic authorities to take action to ensure compliance with city planning rules,” Suryawanshi added.
