[sustran] Idle underground Parking lots criminal wastage: HC

[Asija, Navdeep]

CHANDIGARH: "Non-utilization of underground parking space in Sector 17
amounts to criminal wastage of valuable space and public money," observed
Punjab and Haryana high court on Friday while hearing a petition about
making Sector 17 no-vehicle zone.

When the matter came up for hearing on Friday before a division bench
comprising Justice Surya Kant and Justice Ajay Tewari, the issue of
non-utilization of underground lots in Sector 17 was brought up by amicus
curie Reeta Kohli. Hearing this, Justice Ajay Tewari observed that
non-utilization of such valuable space in an area like Sector 17 amounts to
criminal wastage of space and state exchequer. He also went to the extent
of observing that those responsible for this should be identified and
brought to the book.

Thereafter bench directed the commissioner municipal corporation, director
transport and chief architect UT to consider the suggestions given by Reeta
Kohli and submit a plan by June 1 on the issue. Bench also asked the UT
authorities to prepare the plan Sector 17, which at least can be helpful
for the next 15-20 years.

On Friday, amicus curiae submitted suggestions before the bench stating
that Sector 17 has already three underground parking lots out of which two
are two-storeyed. "Due to lack of management on the part of Chandigarh
administration, most of these are not being utilized," report added.

She also suggested that proposed multi-storeyed parking areas as well as
the existing underground parking area in Sector 17 should be developed as
terrace garden and exhibition area. It was also suggested that parking
space opposite Empire store up to M/s Sahib Singh should be developed as
underground parking and beautified by developing terrace garden on its
roof.

Now, the case would come up for hearing on June 1.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chandigarh/Idle-underground-lots-criminal-wastage-HC/articleshow/13283238.cms