Archive · 3 Sep 2026
Bhopal Kolar Traders Shut Businesses Over BMC Sealing Drive
Many shopkeepers in Kolar, Bhopal, closed their businesses to protest a city sealing campaign.
The campaign targets commercial activities being run from residential buildings.
About 700-800 traders joined a long protest march.
They carried a symbolic funeral bier to show that they believe their businesses are dying.
The Bhopal Municipal Corporation has sent thousands of notices and sealed hundreds of properties.
Traders want the campaign stopped and hope a new plan will solve the disagreement.
One protester was detained after stones were allegedly thrown at a liquor shop and a petrol pump.
An OYO hotel that had been sealed was also found open again, although it was unclear how it reopened.
Nearly 700-800 Kolar traders shut businesses and protested across a 10-kilometre stretch.
Protesters staged a symbolic funeral, tonsured heads and performed a mock cremation.
The BMC has issued 8,264 notices and sealed 170 properties over commercial use of residential premises.
Traders want the sealing drive halted and seek relief through a proposed law amendment and new Master Plan.
Police detained one protester after alleged stone-pelting at a liquor shop and petrol pump.
- Who
- Kolar traders, the Bhopal Municipal Corporation and police.
- What
- Traders shut businesses and held a mock funeral to oppose the BMC's sealing drive.
- When
- The protest took place on Wednesday; the article also says the BMC had taken no new sealing action in the previous 48 hours.
- Where
- Across Kolar, from Kolar Tiraha to Gol Jod, with the symbolic cremation at the D-Mart intersection in Bhopal.
- Why
- Traders oppose action against commercial activities operating from residential properties and want the drive halted.
Traders' demands
BMC enforcement position
Whether sealing should continue
Traders' demands
Trader associations demand an immediate halt to the sealing drive and have warned of stronger protests.
BMC enforcement position
The BMC says sealing actions are continuing, although forceful shutdown actions are being slowed to prevent panic.
Commercial use of residential properties
Traders' demands
Traders seek relief through a proposed amendment to the Land Development Act and a new Master Plan.
BMC enforcement position
The BMC has issued notices and sealed properties where commercial activities were operating from residential premises.
Submitted property documents
Traders' demands
Around 2,000 property owners have submitted documents to support their cases.
BMC enforcement position
BMC officials say many of the submitted documents have not been found satisfactory.
- Protest participation
- Approximately 700-800 traders joined the protest.
- Protest area
- The shutdown covered about 10 kilometres from Kolar Tiraha to Gol Jod.
- Notices issued
- The BMC has issued 8,264 notices against commercial activities in residential properties.
- Properties sealed
- Enforcement action has sealed 170 properties.
- Documents submitted
- Around 2,000 property owners submitted documents, although officials said many were unsatisfactory.
- Police action
- One protester was detained after alleged stone-pelting at a liquor shop and a petrol pump.
- Reopened premises
- An OYO hotel sealed on August 27 was found operating again in Gautam Nagar.