No end to parking woes in Walled City, residents livid

JAIPUR: Parking woes in Walled City has become a never-ending problem. While authorities blame congested lanes for the mess, residents say lack of proper administration was the reason.
There are many lanes in Walled City but illegal parking has made driving through the roads impossible. Haldiyon ka Rasta, Gopalji Ka Rasta, Nahargarh Road, Baba Harish Chand Marg and Khajane Walon ka Rasta are a few such examples.
Vikas Kohtari, former councillor from Walled city, said roads get congested from early morning. “There is a severe parking crisis in Walled City areas. Though it has been a heritage city by UNESCO, parking has forced people to move out of here. Residents are slowly opting to leave their ancestral havelis and live in Jaipur Greater where they can move freely,” said Vikas.
According to rules, none of the businessmen in the city is allowed to park vehicles in the market. But people hardly follow the norms and cars can be seen parked in the market right from the morning.
Kailash Mittal, vice-president of Johri Bazaar Market Association, said it is easier to park illegally by monthly paying contractors. “These contractors will charge a monthly amount from the businessmen and any one can park their vehicles for more than two hours. Traffic police don’t even tow their vehicles,” said Kailash.