Parking charges particularly in residential areas is one major unresolved issue. SDMC has specifically stated that it would not impose parking charges in residential colonies. However, EDMC and NDMC are yet to furnish their report to the transport department.
On January 29, the transport department of the Delhi government notified the draft rules for the Delhi Maintenance and Management of Parking Policy, better known as the new parking policy of Delhi. News about its implementation has featured in the media ever since. Earlier this week, Anil Baijal, Lieutenant Governor of Delhi, had stated at a press conference that the new parking policy is finally ready and shall soon be implemented. Baijal had been addressing a joint press conference with union minister, Hardeep Singh Puri.
However, sources have informed City Spidey that the policy is only half ready. When asked about the issues that have to be sorted within the policy a source elaborated on the condition of anonymity, “Parking charges is one unresolved issue. Imposing parking fees in residential colonies is being debated upon. Out of the three Delhi Municipal Corporations, South Delhi Municipal Corporation (SDMC) has specifically stated that it would not impose parking charges in residential colonies. However, EDMC and North Delhi Municipal Corporation are yet to furnish their report to the transport department.”
A senior official from an EDMC department that is responsible for conducting surveys and fixing parking charges also spoke to our correspondent on the ground of anonymity. “The chart determining parking charges for different localities is being prepared. Once ready it would be presented before the house for approval.”
Though, the draft of the new parking policy is being monitored by the transport department of the Delhi Government; Delhi Development Authority (DDA) and Public Works Department (PWD) are important stakeholders in terms of implementation. This is because finally the roads are under the jurisdiction of these civic bodies.
Many institutions including the Environment Pollution Control Authority (EPCA) and the Center for Science and Environment (CSE) have recommended for strict parking norms and four-fold charges even in residential areas. Anumita Roy Chaudhari, executive director of (CSE) said, “The ‘user pay’ principle should govern the parking rates. Government should not subsidise this cost.”
Ironically, some people are not yet aware that even parking in the residential areas might entail a fee under the new parking policy.
