Bhubaneswar, Aug. 5: The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has come under the Supreme Court's scrutiny over the alleged commercial use of residential buildings in the city. Senior BMC officials are in New Delhi to submit an affidavit before the apex court, which is scheduled to hear the matter on Wednesday.

The Supreme Court has also made the Odisha government a party to the case. The issue gained attention after the court made strong observations while hearing matters related to devastating fire incidents in Lucknow and Delhi, stressing the need for strict enforcement of building safety norms and action against violations.

The apex court had directed civic authorities to file a detailed affidavit explaining the steps taken against owners using residential buildings for commercial purposes in violation of approved building plans.

In compliance with the directive, BMC has submitted a 482-page affidavit before the Supreme Court. A team led by BMC Deputy Commissioner Yogendra Majhi is representing the civic body during the proceedings.

While hearings involving Delhi, Ghaziabad and Rajasthan were taken up on the first day, the BMC matter is scheduled to be heard on Wednesday.

According to the affidavit, BMC has identified 4,632 residential buildings allegedly being used for commercial activities. Of these, 1,712 buildings are located in the North Zone, 1,540 in the South-West Zone, and 1,380 in the South-East Zone.

The civic body informed the court that notices have already been issued to the identified property owners. It also stated that more than 40 buildings have been sealed so far for alleged violations.

BMC has convened a series of review meetings and directed owners using residential premises for commercial purposes to submit all necessary approval documents. The civic body has also instructed property owners to upload the required documents through a dedicated online portal.

Officials warned that failure to comply with the directives would invite action under the provisions of the Odisha Development Authorities (ODA) Act, 1982.

Meanwhile, BMC's enforcement drive continued across Bhubaneswar on Tuesday, with inspection teams conducting raids at several locations and sealing commercial establishments found violating building-use regulations.

BMC officials said all actions are being carried out in accordance with the Supreme Court's guidelines, and the civic body will present its stand before the apex court during Wednesday's hearing.