In a decisive crackdown following a Supreme Court directive, the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has given owners of unauthorised commercial establishments operating in residential areas just four weeks to submit their planning approvals and related documents online—or risk immediate sealing and possible demolition.
From August 8 to 22, property owners across BMC limits must upload valid papers. Failure to do so will trigger enforcement action under the apex court’s orders. Over 4,632 such establishments have already been identified through a survey and issued notices. These include shops, hostels, hotels, educational institutions, clinics and other commercial units running in flats, apartments, plots or residential buildings without the required approvals from BMC or the Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA).
The move stems from the Supreme Court’s order dated May 20, 2026, in SLP No. 8044. The court directed local municipal bodies to take “immediate and effective” steps—sealing, demolition or other strict legal measures—against any violation, deviation or unauthorised construction or use of approved building plans. The practice also breaches the Odisha Act of 1982 and the Planning and Building Standards Regulations.
BMC has simplified the process. Owners can now upload documents on the official portal www.bmc.gov.in or directly via https://holdingtax.bhubaneswar.me/portal/holding/uploadPlanDocument. Even those running fully legal commercial operations have been asked to upload their papers and update holding tax records so that all information remains available online for future inspections.
BMC Commissioner Chanchal Rana has appealed for public cooperation, stressing that the drive is in the larger interest of planned urban development and public safety. Owners who currently lack planning approvals can approach the competent BMC authority to apply for regularisation or fresh permission.
The message is clear: residential zones are meant for living, not unregulated commerce. Those who comply within the window will avoid disruption; those who ignore the notice face the full force of the law.
