Haphazard parking chokes shopping lane

Fri, May 16 12:45 AM

OVER THE years with Karol Bagh becoming a popular shopping destination, parking problem has also steadily increased. The Arya Samaj Road in Karol Bagh is an example of how residents, shop owners and even customers are affected due to unauthorised parking extending to three lanes at times against the sanctioned one-lane.

The problem continues despite claims by authorities about regular action. It's the few residents who bear the maximum brunt along with the common man who comes there to shop.

Harassed residents Surinder Baluja, a resident who also has a shop nearby, said, "We have been told the MCD has allowed only single lane parking. How come so many extra lanes are being allowed? They even block my driveway.

It takes more than 20 minutes to take out my vehicle." Added his neighbour Lalit Kapur, "We have written to the MCD, to traffic officials and even to the Lt Governor, but to no avail.

No concrete action is taken against the parking contractor and I suspect it is all done in connivance with the authorities." A shop owner (name withheld) selling electronic goods and mobile hand pieces said, "I have also written to the authorities to clear off the area in front of our shop.

I inevitably end up fighting with the contractor's men." Can nothing be done? According to Ramlal, general secretary of Karol Bagh Traders' Association, the situation has remained unchanged for years.

"We had taken up the issue with the previous traffic police head, but the problem has not been solved." "It is clear that the authorities are hand-in-glove with the contractor.

Neither MCD has bothered to take any action against him nor have the drives by traffic police helped make the situation any better," Ramlal alleged. Existing facilities or lack of it The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has allowed single lane parking on the portion identified as Arya Samaj II (from Arya Samaj Road-Gurudwara Road intersection to a little beyond Arya Samaj Road-Saraswati Marg intersection).

There is MCD basement parking in the area, which accommodates up to 130 vehicles, belonging to officials working in the MCD building and few shop owners of Gaffar Market. Nearby, there is another MCD parking (Shashtri Park) which can accommodate some 350 vehicles.

These are fully occupied by the shop owners of the area leaving only roadside parking for customers. What traffic police say The traffic police claim they take regular action against vehicles parked in an unauthorised way.

But it is obvious that shortage of manpower prevents them from a consistent action. Nevertheless, said DCP (Traffic) Northern Range R.K. Pande, "During the last six months, we have been continuously taking action to clear the road of unauthorised parking.

We have challaned 7,000 vehicles and towed away as many as 4,000 vehicles." "On Wednesday, we challaned 125 vehicles and towed away 23 others," he added.

What has the MCD done? The MCD has authorised a contractor to run a single lane parking on the Arya Samaj Part II portion. However, there are no prominent boards displaying parking areas.

"The boards should also mention charges applicable along with the maps. The MCD ought to do this," Pande said.

The MCD on its part claimed to carry out regular checks. "If there are any violations noticed, the contract is cancelled," MCD PRO Deep Mathur said.

Parking contractor Arun Tanwar could not be contacted. But the men attending the cars at the site said they ensure that the cars are parked within the yellow line.

"Vehicles beyond that line are not our headache, the police regularly takes action against them." But it is clear the so-called action by authorities have not helped in solving the problem.

Expert suggestion Professor P.K. Sarkar, head of the Transport Department, School of Planning and Architecture, suggests putting in place a traffic management plan with emphasis on integrated public transport. "Foremost is building public opinion.

A special awareness campaign will convince public about the changes," he said. The solution lies in integrating different modes of transport.

"People can either come by metro or in their own vehicles and then avail the 'park and ride' facility. A shuttle service of battery operated vehicles needs to be in place for it," Sarkar suggested.

"The traffic management plan can include a ban on parking in core area by customers," he said. Till such drastic measure is in place, a congestion tax like that in Central London can be put on vehicles coming to that area, he added.

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