Chaos in market parking lots ahead of Diwali

The festive season has led to chaos in city markets, with parking woes creating trouble for shoppers. With the proposal of traders to approach schools and other institutes for additional parking spaces not panning out, the situation is expected to worsen during weekends with no alternative arrangements in sight for the markets.

The markets in different sectors especially 17, 18, 19, 22, 34 and 35 are already overflowing with vehicles. Chaos prevails in parking lots, which are unmanned as they have not been taken over by the parking contractor. Due to lack of space, vehicles are haphazardly being parked in the markets.

The shoppers are finding it difficult to find space in the parking lots. Traffic snarls are being witnessed within parking lots at the entry and exit points. In some sectors — after the parking lots are jam packed — vehicles can be seen parked on roads, disrupting smooth movement of traffic.

Traders belonging to Chandigarh Beopar Mandal had mooted several proposals for alternate arrangements for parking. These included parking of vehicles in schools, community centres and other open spaces near the markets. None of these proposals have materialised.

A member of CBM, Jagdish Kapoor said that while they approached the school principals they were told that giving permission for parking was not in their jurisdiction. "The principals asked us to approach the District Education Officer. With not many days left to Diwali, the process will take much time. In certain places security guards have been deployed by the market associations to manage parking."

While police officials have assured the traders about providing traffic personnel two to three days before Diwali, the festive rush in the markets has already started, but the parking lots that have been auctioned by the Municipal Corporation are yet to be taken over by the contractors.

... contd.

ALSO READ

Life of Pi singer Bombay Jayashri to perform in Chandigarh

Theories of Sino-India war far-fetched, says ex-Army chief

HC rejects Punjab plea on Bhattal’s govt house

Civic body moots Rs 616-cr budget, discussion today