Delhi mayor orders crackdown on illegal spas, unauthorised restaurants and OYO hotels

Delhi mayor Mahesh Kumar.

In an effort to curb unauthorised commercial activities, Delhi Mayor Mahesh Kumar on Thursday directed the public health department of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) on to take strict action against illegal spa centres, unauthorised OYO hotels and unlicensed restaurants across the city.

The mayor also pointed out that such establishments not only pose health and safety concerns for residents, but also lead to significant revenue losses for the civic body.

A missive in this regard was issued at a meeting that was chaired by the mayor and attended by Deputy Mayor Ravindra Bhardwaj, Leader of the House Mukesh Goel, Municipal Health Officer Lallan Ram Verma and the deputy health officers (DHOs) from all 12 MCD zones, according to a statement.

Kumar instructed the public health department to formulate a concrete action plan and implement strict measures to shut down illegally-operating businesses. "The public health department must take strict action against illegal spa centres, unauthorised restaurants and illegally-operating OYO hotels across the city," Kumar observed.

The mayor also underlined the importance of increasing the MCD's revenue, saying unauthorised businesses often evade licensing fees and necessary approvals, impacting the corporation's financial resources. "Our priority is to enhance revenue and ensure that there are no financial obstacles in delivering welfare initiatives for the residents of Delhi," he said.

The Aam Aadmi Party-led MCD is committed to improving civic services and making the corporation self-sufficient, the statement said.