Those who are surreptitiously using the basements of their residences for commercial purposes will have to pay a hefty amount as misuse charges. After rampant reports of basements being used as eateries, restaurants, cafes etc - the maximum number reported from South Extension - the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) will launch a drive against such illegal operations in residential areas. MCD Commissioner Rakesh Mehta said that the corporation has received various reports that people have rented out their basements or are themselves running restaurants, eateries etc from there in complete violation of the Delhi Master Plan and specified building laws.