Pay-and-park: MCC chief, mayor not on same page

Mysuru: Even as protest against the Mysuru City Corporation’s (MCC) decision to introduce pay-and-park in the commercial hub has attracted criticism, MCC commissioner Lakshmikantha Reddy and mayor Shivakumar issued conflicting statements.
While Reddy said the proposal will be implemented as decided during a meeting of the MCC Council, Shivakumar hinted at revision as he said the council has the power to take a re-look at the project. This development comes amidst protest by Left activists.
Speaking to TOI, Reddy said that he had not received any communication about the project being temporarily stalled. He said the project would be implemented at all three locations as it was the need of the hour.
When contacted, the mayor denied that he has stated that the pay-and-park proposal is kept on hold. I have issued no such order, he said. According to him, the MCC council has the power to withdraw decisions passed in the council. Shivakumar also said that a meeting would be convened with the representatives of various organisations which are opposing pay-and-park and convince them regarding its implementation.
This comes amidst opposition to it from KR constituency MLA TS Srivathsa, who has said he is not for pay-and-park facility. Referring to Congress MLA K Harish Gowda’s opposition to it, he said the public and many organisations have expressed their ire.
Burden on people: CPM
Meanwhile, joining that list of protesters opposing the project, the members of CPM, Mysuru District Committee, held a protest in front of MCC demanding the authorities to drop the project. They alleged that the decision to implement the project was unscientific and added that it would only be an added burden to the people. The city doesn’t have a proper parking facility in the central business area. Moreover, the works on the parking area at the Town Hall premises are yet to be completed and this apart, road work is being carried out daily. When such is the situation, it is not right on the part of the MCC to implement the pay-and-park facility, they said.