MCDS to target misuse of stilts in residential areas

NEW DELHI: The ongoing sealing drive, which was restricted to local markets, will now be extended to residential areas.

The Sc-appointed monitoring committee on Monday directed the three civic bodies — South, East and North Delhi — to identify residential buildings where stilt parking is illegally used for commercial activities.

In a letter to the three MCD commissioners, the committee said that during site inspections it was discovered that most stilt floors were being misused.

“In the Delhi Master Plan 2021, stilts are allowed only for parking. But these are used for godowns, store or guardrooms and coaching centres,” said a member of monitoring panel.

The committee asked the commissioners to seal such floors and submit an action taken report by February 28.

Provisions for stilt parking in residential neighbourhoods was included in Master Plan 2021. It became mandatory for all new residential constructions coming up in plots over 100 square yards.

“After this, the permissible height of the residential premises was increased from 12 to 15 metres.of the total height , 2.4 metres was allowed for stilt floor,”said a north body official.

In July 2017, the SDMC had issued a circular asking owners to submit an undertaking or affidavit, saying they won’t misuse stilt spaces.