New Delhi: In a breather to traders at Lajpat Nagar Central market here, the National Green Tribunal today allowed single-lane parking on the metalled roads till the municipal corporation provides an alternative site.
A bench headed NGT Chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar directed South Delhi Municipal Corporation (SDMC) to demarcate area on Veer Savarkar Marg, Shiv Mandir Marg and Feroze Gandhi Marg with red lines for single-lane parking and install jersey barrier to separate lanes for traffic.
During the hearing, the Tribunal also pulled up SDMC officials when they failed to satisfy it on the issue of identification of sites for construction of multi-level parking in Lajpat Nagar.
“Why have you not identified any designated site for the purpose of building multi-level parking. It is really unfortunate.
“Don't make speeches if you know nothing. You cannot take the courts lightly. All you know is how to create mess,” the bench said while slamming SDMC officials.
The bench also granted time to SDMC officials to discuss the issue of alternative parking sites with higher authorities and then apprise it about the time period required for construction of multi level parking in order to decongest the roads in Lajpat Nagar.
The Tribunal also directed Joint Commissioner of Delhi Police, SHO Lajpat Nagar police station and traffic inspector of Lajpat Nagar to ensure that these directions were complied with and in event of default, all these officers shall be responsible.
It also asked SDMC to inform about the utilisation of Rs 159 crore paid in 2006 for development of parking. Meanwhile, Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board told the bench that it will temporarily provide parking facilities on the land available next to Kasturba Niketan opposite to MCD hospital till the construction of multi-level parking was over.
Earlier, the Tribunal had imposed a complete ban on parking of cars on metalled roads in the national capital and directed that any violation would lead to a fine of Rs 1,000.
It had also directed Lajpat Nagar and Karol Bagh markets to be considered pilot projects for implementing the ban while hearing a petition of Vardhaman Kaushik against air pollution in the city.
