A team of officers from ward number 1 under the leadership of Deputy Municipal Commissioner (Administration) H S Patel swooped down on the shops in the wee hors of the day and sealed them. These shops are located in Karolia Pole, Zhaveri Bazaar and Ghadiyali Pole.

Patel told Express Newsline that these shops were not only releasing alkaline and acidic substances in their drains damaging civic property, but also flouting Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB) norms.

Importantly, the use of acidic substances was affecting the health of workers and nearby residents, Patel said, adding that VMC would be writing to the National Institute of Occupational Health to check the workers' health.

He said the shops were sealed under provisions of section 376 of the Bombay Provincial Municipal Corporation (BPMC) Act which gave the VMC powers to act if damage is caused to people and property. The DyMC said the seals would be opened only if the shops maintained GPCB standards.

Local councillor Dilip Kothari has been voicing concern about the health of residents being affected by chemicals for long. Some shops had been sealed earlier for the same reasons.

Patel announced that some seven-odd shops were not sealed because of a stay order. He added that in the past, three seals have been opened as the shop-keepers have promised to install damage-preventing equipment.