The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is not going to renew contracts of 24 parking contractors in A ward. This decision comes after a sting operation revealed illegal parking activities in the Kala Ghoda area.
Complaints from whistleblowers also said that mafia controls nearly 60% of the pay-and-park spots in Mumbai. After the current contracts expire, the BMC will allow free parking at a minimum of 10 of the 24 parking spots in the ward.
These include areas near Eros Cinema, where the contract ends on May 31, and Jamnalal Bajaj Lane, where the contract expired on May 24. Eight more locations will also be made free after May 31.
As per reports, the spot quotation process has started to select new contractors. In the meantime, BMC will send its own staff to manage the parking areas and help drivers. The free parking plan is a temporary measure. BMC is reviewing the pay-and-park system. The authority will then introduce stricter rules.
BMC is also taking strict action against those found involved in the racket. The parking contractor at Kala Ghoda has been charged under Section 420 of the Indian Penal Code for cheating. The contractor was found overcharging drivers and allowing parking in no-parking zones.
A proposal has been sent to the traffic department to ban the contractor. A hearing will soon decide how long the contractor will be blacklisted. It may range from three to five years, depending on the tender conditions.
On April 25, activist Santosh Daundkar raised concerns about the parking mafia. He said the racket stretches from A ward to T ward. Some contractors in the racket have criminal records, he added.
BMC has also begun action against its own staff. Assistant engineer Pawan Kawre from A ward was sent on leave on April 17. A probe is being conducted into his role in mishandling parking contracts.
Share
Tweet
