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The Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) has raised concerns over the increasing use of residential properties for commercial activities across the city, as a nationwide inquiry ordered by the Supreme Court comes into effect. Mayor Mrigen Sarania acknowledged the prevalence of mixed-use buildings, particularly where ground floors are used commercially while upper floors remain residential. The development follows a directive requiring civic bodies in all state capitals to survey and report unauthorised commercial use of residential premises by mid-May. The issue highlights challenges in enforcing zoning regulations in rapidly expanding urban centres such as Guwahati, where commercial spillover into residential neighbourhoods has intensified. Municipal authorities are expected to undertake detailed mapping of such violations and submit compliance reports as part of the court-monitored exercise.
The Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) has identified the increasing commercial use of residential buildings across the city as a key urban concern in recent days, with Mayor Mrigen Sarania acknowledging the trend while civic authorities prepare to comply with a Supreme Court directive mandating a nationwide survey of such violations. Advertisement
The issue gained prominence following the apex court's order issued earlier this month directing municipal bodies across all state and Union Territory capitals to identify and document instances where residential properties are being used for commercial purposes. The court has required civic authorities to submit affidavits detailing such violations by mid-May as part of a broader inquiry into land-use compliance.
In Guwahati, the mayor indicated that several buildings in different parts of the city are currently operating under a mixed-use pattern, with commercial establishments functioning on the ground floors while upper levels continue to be used for residential occupancy. This pattern, while prevalent in certain urban corridors, has raised concerns regarding zoning compliance, infrastructure stress, and the impact on residential neighbourhoods.
Officials noted that such unauthorised conversions are often in violation of building bye-laws and land-use regulations, which designate specific zones for residential and commercial purposes. The Supreme Court, while ordering the nationwide inquiry, observed that the unchecked conversion of residential areas into commercial spaces was contrary to law and adversely affected residents, citing inconvenience, environmental concerns, and pressure on civic infrastructure.
The civic body is now expected to undertake a structured assessment of areas where these violations are prevalent, including identification of buildings operating beyond their approved usage. This exercise is likely to involve coordination between municipal departments responsible for planning, enforcement, and taxation, along with field inspections to verify compliance.
Guwahati's urban growth, particularly along key corridors such as GS Road and adjoining localities, has led to increasing commercial activity within predominantly residential zones. As demand for retail and office space expands, property owners have increasingly adapted residential units for commercial use, often without formal approvals, creating regulatory challenges for enforcement agencies.
The Supreme Court's intervention has placed additional responsibility on municipal authorities to enforce zoning norms more strictly and ensure that land-use violations are documented and addressed. The directive also seeks to establish accountability mechanisms, with commissioners required to file affidavits confirming the status of compliance within their jurisdictions.
Civic officials indicated that further action in Guwahati will depend on the findings of the survey, including the scale and nature of violations. The exercise is expected to form the basis for potential enforcement measures, including penalties or corrective actions, in line with statutory provisions governing urban planning and municipal administration.
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