DC Cares | Parking violations continue in spite of stringent norms

HYDERABAD: The directions issued by the municipal administration and urban development department to the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) authorities to impose a fine of '50,000 for violating parking norms in 2018 seem to have fallen in deaf years.

The state government in March 2018 issued orders to regulate parking fees in commercial complexes. However, none was penalised for violating parking norms. Though the authorities have the right to demolish commercial structures for violating parking norms, the enforcement wing seems to be going slow on its implementation.

As per the parking rules, the owner of a commercial establishment has to provide parking space for its employees and customers. The GHMC sources said given the traffic chaos and lack of parking facilities at many commercial establishments, the parking space norms would be revised soon. As per the norms, 44 per cent of a commercial complex area should be set aside for parking. Now, the proposal is to ensure one car park for every 50 sq. metres instead of 80 sq. metres to provide more parking space.

Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, GHMC chief city planner (CCP) S Devender Reddy said the corporation has complete authority to demolish the structure without issuing any notice. He said while granting building permission for a commercial structure, the owner of it should sign an undertaking that he would adhere to the parking norms. Reddy said converting parking spaces for some other purpose was a blatant violation. He also made it clear that cancer hospitals would be given an exception to avoid the radiation. He said this apart, independent houses were also given exceptions. The CCP clarified that the corporation would initiate stringent action on violators if brought to their notice.

For the remaining structures, as per the orders, the first 30 minutes of parking at commercial complexes should be free. From 30 minutes to an hour, a person is exempted from parking fees if he produces a bill of any amount that acts as proof that he had shopped in the respective mall or multiplex. Otherwise, the prescribed parking fee for the duration may be collected. Above an hour, a person must get free parking if the person produces a bill or movie ticket whose amount is more than the parking fee. If not, the prescribed parking fee for the said duration must be collected.