DEHRADUN: Thousands of shopkeepers and small businesses in Dehradun are facing uncertainty as authorities prepare to act against commercial activities being run from buildings approved for residential use.
Notices are being issued to establishments operating from residential premises, with officials citing compliance with a Supreme Court order. The action has raised concerns about the livelihoods of business owners, employees and families who depend on these businesses.
The issue is also creating pressure on elected representatives, with Assembly elections approaching. Ministers and legislators are seeking ways to address the concerns of affected businesses while ensuring that the court’s order is followed.
The question at the centre of the dispute is whether buildings sanctioned for residential use can be used for commercial purposes. The implementation process is reportedly being taken up in state capitals, with the impact now becoming visible in Dehradun.
As notices reach shopkeepers, many say they are unsure what will happen next. If enforcement proceeds, businesses established over the years in residential neighbourhoods could be affected, putting both owners and their staff at risk of losing their source of income.
The matter was discussed at a meeting at the residence of Dehradun in-charge minister Subodh Uniyal. Rajpur MLA and Cabinet minister Khajan Das, Mussoorie MLA and Cabinet minister Ganesh Joshi, Cantt MLA Savita Kapoor and other public representatives attended.
Officials from the departments concerned were also present. The meeting focused on whether relief could be provided to businesses while complying with the court’s direction.
Representatives expressed concern about the social and economic impact of action against a large number of shops and commercial establishments. “This kind of commercial activity is also carried out in homes in other countries.
Across the country, many people earn their livelihood in this way. The government wants to explore options to provide relief to those affected,” Uniyal told this newspaper.
The issue extends beyond Dehradun. In Mussoorie, operators of hotels, restaurants, homestays and bed-and-breakfast establishments in residential buildings are also concerned.
The Mussoorie-Dehradun Development Authority has begun a survey to establish how buildings are being used. More than 200 establishments could come under scrutiny, according to estimates.
Pankaj Mahawar, who has been in trade from the last 45 years, and currently running his grocery shop business at the busy Dwarka Chowk, said the decision could bring greater discipline to commercial activity but must be accompanied by a plan for those affected.
“The decision is good in terms of commercial discipline, but the government should first prepare a concrete rehabilitation plan for those affected,” he said.
Another shop owner, Shiv Kumar Goyal, who has run a business in the upscale Rajendra Nagar area for the past 30 years, told this newspaper: “Taking action suddenly like this is wrong.
The government should look after the interests of traders.” He confirmed that many traders on Sahastradhara Road and Rajpur Road had received notices.