The fate of a dozen hotels in Karol Bagh is hanging in balance as the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has sent them sealing notices, alleging that they do not conform to building rules and regulations in accordance with the Delhi Masterplan 2021.

The hotel owners met MCD leaders on Tuesday to seek a solution to the problem. The Karol Bagh Zone falls under a “special area” of the MPD 2021, along with Sadar Paharganj and city zones. When the MPD 2021 was created in 2007, a ‘redevelopment plan’ was to be formed for these areas within three years’ time. “However, till now, no such plan has been made, and so the building guidelines for these hotels are still unclear,” said one of the hotel owners.

Standing Committee Chairman Yogender Chandolia has said that he will raise the issue at a meeting to be held on Wednesday. The MCD had received many complaints in this regard, he added. MCD officials said that apart from hotels, shops in the area could also be sealed in the coming days if adequate measures are not taken. “Hotels and other commercial establishments have been opened in areas meant for residential colonies. They will be targeted,” a senior official said.

Hotel owners, however, say it is “unfair” for MCD to start sealing without having a redevelopment plan ready. “These are special areas, and the building plans were to be made in accordance with the redevelopment plan. Unless that is ready, how can they blame us for not following rules?” asked another hotel owner.