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Protest against collection of fee for roadside parking

BHUBANESWAR: Protesting collection of fees for roadside parking by Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC), more than 300 youths blocked the busy Janpath road in the capital city on Thursday.

Vehicular movement came to a grinding halt for a brief period while some of the youths were seen removing BMC-parking signboards.

“People are forced to pay parking fees for every 10 metres they move along the Janpath. While BMC has not been able to provide free space to people for parking, collection of parking fees is not appropriate,” Subhendu Mohanty, general secretary of Rajeev Vikas Kendra (RVK), said.

Youths assembled under RVK were shouting slogans against BMC authorities alleging that they were minting money rather than providing basic services to people. On being informed Bhubaneswar police and BMC authorities reached the spot and assured the agitators that they would review the policy.

BMC Commissioner Aparajita Sarangi, however, refused to rescind the policy of charging fees on any parking along the roadside.

“We have 27 parking lots, while 18 are managed by private entities the rest are with us. We have entered into agreement with these firms for managing parking place. We cannot withdraw from the agreement midway,” Ms. Sarangi said.

She admitted that there was the public resentment over collection of parking fees. “We have been receiving complaints on parking fees. Most of complainants are of the view that they are paying fees twice or thrice in a day,” BMC Commissioner said.

Ms. Sarangi said BMC might consider reviewing its policy by introducing the formula of one-time payment of parking fees for a day or for a few hours.

Due to lack of proper demarcation of parking areas along the Janpath, people are being excessively charged of parking fees. It is also alleged that BMC authorities had selectively earmarked parking areas. While one will not find anybody charging fees in front of big hotels, BMC has created paid parking areas in front of hospitals.

BMC also fared badly in managing several open space lying vacant under its jurisdiction.

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