NEW DELHI: With the implementation of GRAP II norms and the CAQM norms to enhance parking fees, MCD seems to have no plan in place to implement the guidelines this year as well.
The civic body said it repeatedly submitted a proposal to grant the commissioner the authority to raise parking fees. However, the proposal was rejected on all five or six occasions it was presented at a House meeting.NDMC, however, has consistently increased parking fees at its parking lots.
An MCD official said for the past nine months, even before the GRAP II norms were enforced, MCD presented the proposal in hiking parking fees during House meetings. A proposal to revise parking fees was also presented. However, both were put on hold.
"We placed a proposal in the Aug meeting, aiming to quadruple the current rates. The move came after attempts in Jan and Feb, where MCD sought to grant the commissioner the authority to implement the increased charges upon issuing an order. But it was adjourned or referred back. We can't go ahead with the proposal without nod," said an official.
MCD now plans to put forward a fresh proposal in the coming House meeting in Oct.
Residents, meanwhile, said increasing the parking charges will not resolve the problem unless there is a check on the sale of private vehicles.
"Barely issuing an order to increase parking fees will not reduce pollution. Govt should put a cap on car sales and the number of vehicles a family can own. But the public transport system is not robust. So, how would people commute?" said a resident.
Raja Iqbal Singh, Leader of Opposition and BJP councillor, stressed on the need to create awareness among the public. "To minimise dust pollution, MCD should tell people about the do's and don'ts, instead of enhancing parking fees," he said.
There was no immediate response from AAP.
Meanwhile, NDMC Tuesday doubled its parking fees in accordance with GRAP II guidelines. Monthly pass holders and some on-street parking lots such as at Pandara and Bengali market will not see any increase.