A conversion charge has to be paid to the local civic body for setting up a commercial establishment in a residential area — the master plan allows some degree of commercial activity in residential properties along specified roads.
Of the nearly 2,000 notices sent across four zones to those who have not paid the conversion charge, the south zone alone accounts for 587 notices.
For the drive, the corporation has sought the help of police. But not all in the BJP, which controls the three corporations, favour a sealing drive in an election year. A councillor said “collection is a must for financial health of corporation” though a sealing drive “may affect election results”.