[Resolved]  N. A. — Unauthorised use of Basement

R S Gahlawat – Addl. CE (Retd.) Flat No. 12, No.1, Link Road
Jangpura Extension
New Delhi – 110 014
Tel. No. [protected]


The Commissioner
Municipal Corporation of Delhi
Town Hall
Chandni Chowk
Delhi – 110 006


Dear Sir,

I am a senior citizen having settled in Jangpura Extension after retirement from a senior appointment in Defence Department 13 years back. Currently, I am staying in Flat No. 12, No. 1, Link Road, Jangpura Extension, New Delhi – 110 014 along with my family since last 5 years. This building has 12 residential flats and three basements. The two basements are being used for commercial purposes and rear basement was earlier stocked heavily with Tubes / Tyres, till the same was sealed by MCD during the sealing drive in the Capital. The owner of this basement removed the Tyres / Tubes overnight by breaking the seal, about a year back, perhaps in connivance of the concerned MCD staff.

Now, the owner of this rear side basement has it let out to someone for opening a big office and the work is going on since last two months unhampered. The tenant has started erecting split type air-conditioners, by placing the main units on the road, thereby blocking the parking space; which I consider as unauthorized. Further, the new office in rear basement will have plenty of staff, who would be having lot of cars / motor cycles to park, which will not only block the road but will also result in day to day fights / quarrels in the locality.

Sir, as per my information / knowledge, the new Master Plan 2021 doesn’t permit the establishment and running of any floor as well as basement for office / commercial use in a building which is purely for residential purpose. The basements are primarily allowed to be constructed for vehicle parking and storage of non-explosive materials. However, if the use of basements has been allowed for any other purposes, I would request your goodself to clarify the same, otherwise all the three basements as well as other floors being used for commercial purposes should be sealed.

In view of the fact that half of the building is being used for commercial purposes, a large number of staff and visitors keep coming / going out the whole day and have become a great security threat to the families residing in this building. Some flats have been converted into unauthorized guest houses, wherein mostly the foreigners come and stay for which no records are maintained and may prove to be great national threat.

In view of the above brief stated facts, may I request your honour to take suitable action immediately to stop the unauthorized use of residential accommodation and ensure that the safety / security of the residents as well as national security is safeguarded.

Hoping for an early action.

Thanking you,

Yours faithfully,




[ R S Gahlawat]

Place : New Delhi
Dated: November 23, 2009


cc : The Deputy Commissioner, Central Zone
Municipal Corporation of Delhi
Jalvayu Vihar, Lajpat Nagar
New Delhi

cc : The Additional Commissioner of Police
East District
Sarita Vihar Police Station
Opp. Apollo Hospital
New Delhi