Masterplan provides solution for parking woes, finds no takers

Civic bodies in Delhi could have found a solution to the parking shortage in the city had they studied the Masterplan 2021 closely, reports Neelam Pandey.

Civic bodies in Delhi could have found a solution to the parking shortage in the city had they studied the Masterplan 2021 closely.

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The MPD 2021 has provisioned that any plot of 1,000 sq metres or more can be converted into a parking lot. Change of land use is necessary only if a residential plot is to be used for commercial purpose. But there is no such restriction if the same is to be used for parking.

But NDMC, which governs the New Delhi area, has chosen not to push the provision. “We are not sure of the commercial viability of this project. Property rates in the NDMC area are so high that one can earn crores by renting out the premises rather than constructing multi-level parking. A multi-level parking project will involve huge investment and the residents will find it hard to finance it,” said a senior NDMC official.

In fact, Minister of State for Urban Development Ajay Maken had said six months ago that people with such land should come forward to convert it into parking lots and earn revenue.

“Till date no one has come forward wanting to construct multi-level parking on their land. There is a provision in the Masterplan 2010 and if anyone comes forward, we will examine the proposal and grant permission accordingly. However, the NDMC has not formulated any proposal for the same,” said Anand Tiwari, NDMC spokesman.

Meanwhile, the MCD will soon be inviting Residents’ Welfare Associations (RWAs) to participate in creating parking space. According to the civic body, the RWA of Greater Kailash-Part III had approached the MCD with a proposal wherein they want to create multi-level parking in their area at their own cost.

“The RWA had approached us wanting to create parking space. We would be inviting other RWAs too to come forward and if they have space in their area to create multilevel parking. It could be on the BOT basis”, said the official.