Editor Mr.Mayank Rawat ( Chief Editor Mr. Rohit Mishra )
New Delhi: The Municipal Corporation of Delhi rejected a proposal to increase public parking charges though it conceded there was a continuous rise in vehicle numbers. It said technological intervention in the parking system needed to be enhanced in addition to increasing parking rates. But the Aam Aadmi Party argued that motorists needed to be protected from a fee hike.
“The executive wing’s proposal suggested an increase in parking fees based on colony categories as per circle rates,” said leader of the House Mukesh Goyal. “For example, parking rates for areas in categories A to D would pay Rs 30 for an hour against Rs 20 at present, going up to Rs 105 for four hours with a further increase of Rs 30 per hour after that. Currently, MCD charges Rs 100 for 24 hours irrespective of the area. We can’t put such a heavy burden on car owners.” MCD runs 420 paid parking sites.
Among other matters approved during the 10 minutes the meeting lasted amid ruckus was a private proposal to convert Bhalswa Dairy to a residential colony. Goyal said, “This is aimed at saving residential buildings in the dairy area from sealing. Given that this was a private proposal, the commissioner had to table a preamble in the House, but he came with a detailed reply turning down a change in land use.” The House rejected the commissioner’s reply.
The commissioner contended that land use change was DDA’s domain and the conversion proposal was against the terms and conditions of the allotment and also not in alignment with the court directions. “Delhi High Court had directed action against the unauthorised construction and illegal change of use of dairy plots. The matter is sub judice and no change can be undertaken,” the commissioner said.
MCD also passed another proposal, authorising the release of Rs 48 crore to four cow shelters. Stray cattle caught by the civic body are sent to Manav Gausadan at Rewla Khanpur, Dabar Hare Krishna Gaushala at Surhera, Gopal Gausadan at Hareveli and Shri Krishna Gaushala at Sultanpur Dabas, all under the administrative control of Delhi govt’s animal husbandry department. MCD pays the shelters Rs 20 per animal per day for feed. This is in addition to Rs 20 per bovine Delhi govt pays these gaushalas. The pending liability up to March 2024 is Rs 35 crore and Rs 13.8 crore for the 2024-25 fiscal, the proposal said.
The House also extended the existing maintenance contract for streetlights with two power discoms for three more months after the contracts lapse on April 8.
Reacting to the adjournment of the House within 10 minutes, leader of opposition Raja Iqbal Singh of BJP alleged, “The leader of the House and AAP do not want MCD to function smoothly.”
Mayank Rawat
