Encroachments ..............

There is an increasing tendency of shops and establishments to encroach upon the Public space or pedestrian footpaths, by muscle power or otherwise. A law should be introduced that prevent any establishment or eatery from expanding beyond the original approved building plan and built up area. Permissions if granted by any authority earlier should all be cancelled, and where difficult, the property Tax should be 100X the value of that charged for valid space. Thus all commercial establishments will have to procure additional space for expanding their activities, or give rise to opportunities for new entrants to venture into   

business. This will cause greater creation and better distribution of wealth. Even storage outside the shop limits should be banned. This law will create a greater demand of built space and increase the revenue collections. This law should also be made applicable on those who have expanded in their residential Society space. These expansions should be completely cleared and no permission given. Permission should be given to residents of Housing Societies to convert their apartments for any business activity, which is in the accepted lists of trade acknowledged and accepted by the society. This will create more opportunities for creation of wealth, and ensure that prices are within control through a healthy competition. Licences to be issued to all those engaged in commercial activity. Another major cause of encroachment is for slumlords to capture spots and erect places of worship. A law should be legislated that for a place of worship to be recognised as one, it is necessary that the spot be earmarked and designated as such. We find suddenly in a slum a spot which was a hutment suddenly emerging as a Temple or Masjid. This causes resentment and disturbance in the neighbourhood. The Law should treat such places as illegal and have them demolished.