New Delhi, Oct 12 (KNN) Illegal industries operating in residential areas in Delhi should be shut within 15 days, as per the Supreme Court orders.

The Supreme Court on Thursday ordered a monitoring committee to ensure that 5,000-odd illegal industrial units still operating from residential areas in Delhi are shut within 15 days.

The decision came after the monitoring committee headed by the Delhi Chief Secretary informed a bench of Justice Madan B. Lokur and Justice Deepak Gupta on the matter.

In pursuance to the top court’s order, the committee was constituted in 2004 comprising Delhi Police Commissioner, Commissioners of three civic bodies and Vice Chairman of Delhi Development Authority. 

Describing the situation as ‘unfortunate’ the court expressed concern that even 14 years after the setting up of the panel, illegal industrial units were operating from residential areas.

Over this matter, bench said “It’s unfortunate that 14 years have gone by and yet the authorities concerned have not been able to close down these illegal units. The same now would be done in 15 days. It must be ensured decisions are taken and complied with.”

Advisor to the court, Ranjit Kumar informed the court that the alternative plots in industrial zones under a relocation scheme have already been provided to these illegal industrial units before the closure notice.

Despite this, some of these units were still continuing to operate from residential areas, he added.

Directing the committee to ensure that these illegal units are closed within 15 days time, the court listed the matter for November 26.

Also, centre has opposed the monitoring committee’s advice to do away with the 48-hour notice given to properties where misuse is alleged or illegal use of premises is taking place, before they are sealed.