Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Jul 2: Cracking the whip on business establishments functioning without licences and violating the plastic ban, officials of Mangaluru City Corporation on Saturday July 2 raided several shops in City Centre Mall and sealed them.

The raid operation was carried out under the initiative of chairperson of health, education and social justice standing committee of MCC Kavitha Sanil.

On Friday July 1, the team had raided and sealed two shops at KS Rao Road for operating without trade licence.

Speaking to reporters, Kavitha Sanil said that notices had been issued to the shops for renewal of trade licences and to follow the plastic ban, but as they failed to adhere to the rules, they have been sealed. "We raided City Centre Mall today. People should not think that only the small traders are targetted. Over 8,000 traders are yet to renew their licences. If they apply for renewal or issual of new licences, we will issue the same within two days. I urge the public also to cooperate." The MCC had given June 30 as deadline for renewal of trade licences.

"Traders should understand that there is a time limit for the renewal. The renewal was supposed to be done in February and now it is July. So they should act immediately if they have not done the renewal. If right documents are submitted, I assure you that, renewal is done without any delay." she added.

The team comprised corporators and standing committee members, health inspectors, health officer Dr Manjappa Shetty and environment engineer Madhu. The team raided the shops at City Centre Mall, during which it was found that a garment showroom of a well-known brand was operating without trade licence. Incidentally, the same store had been ordered to close down during Friday's raid, but as it failed to comply, it was sealed on Saturday.

Also, the team raided a hypermarket in the mall and seized 42.3 kg of plastics, including carry bags, spoons and cups, Sanil said.