Shops asked to clear roads

Patna: The Kankerbagh circle office of Patna Municipal Corporation (PMC) on Friday issued notices to at least four branded shops and shopping malls including KFC, Vishal Mega Mart, Bikaner, Haldiram and W over parking issues. The Kankerbagh circle of PMC asked these branded establishments to ensure parking facility for their customers on their premises so that roads in front of them don’t face traffic jams.

Executive officer of the Kankerbagh circle of PMC, Vijay Kumar Upadhyay, told The Telegraph that branded shops had been given 21 days time to ensure the roads in front of them are made vehicle-free

“FIRs would be lodged against them if we find vehicles in front of their shops after 21 days. We don’t have any problem with commercial establishments functioning in any area but they have to make sure that basic amenities are in place like parking facility among others. The action against branded shops has been taken in collaboration with the traffic police,” Upadhyay said. He said that apart from five branded establishments, notices had been served on four more establishments including automobile and garage ones over the same issue.

Upadhyay confirmed that the civic body has acted against branded shops over parking issue for the first time.

In another drive, the PMC’s Kankerbagh circle also collected Rs 55,000 fine in a day for illegal parking. “This is highest amount of fine that has ever been collected for illegal parking in a day. Earlier, we have spotted vehicles parked in no-parking zone many times. Today, we launched stern action against violators. Not only were fines slapped against a large number of violators, but we also seized nine vehicles,” Upadhyay said.

Residents had mixed reactions to the PMC’s drive. “It’s good that the municipal corporation is acting against illegal parking of vehicles but they also have to ensure parking lots in the city. How can the civic body take action without designating enough parking lots,” said Prashant Kumar, a Kankerbagh-based businessman.

Priyanka, 24, a college student, said: “PMC officials show seriousness for a limited period. You find the roads encroached upon again. PMC should remain vigilant throughout the year.”

Courtesy: The Telegraph