By-laws proposed to tackle encroachments in Ghaziabad

The Ghaziabad municipal corporation has drafted a new policy to curb illegal parking on the roadside as well in residential areas.

The Ghaziabad municipal corporation has drafted a new policy to curb illegal parking on the roadside as well in residential areas.

The new policy ‘Control of permanent & temporary encroachment bylaws – 2016’, aims to control rampant encroachments across the city and penalise those indulging in temporary and permanent encroachments. The fines will range between Rs.10 and Rs. 1,500. (Sakib Ali/HT file photo)

The new policy ‘Control of permanent & temporary encroachment bylaws – 2016’, aims to control rampant encroachments across the city and penalise those indulging in temporary and permanent encroachments. The fines will range between Rs.10 and Rs. 1,500.

According to the draft, vehicles parked along state and national highways will be seized and returned only on the payment of penalty. Further, it is also proposed that house owners, with property along major roads and having one vehicle, will have to make arrangements for parking it inside their residence within six months after the bylaws are enforced.

Those parking vehicles on the blacktop part of roads will be penalised every day. New draft says house owners can park only one vehicle on the roadside.

Officials said the draft bylaws has to be cleared by the executive committee and corporation board.

“We will put forward the draft in the upcoming executive committee meeting and later to the board for final clearance. The provisions were sought for the past several years and will help us keep the city clutter-free and also generate additional revenue,” DK Sinha, additional municipal commissioner, said.

RWA office bearers in the city has opposed the move and said the corporation should come up with alternative parking arrangements before implementing the bylaws.

“Residents in plotted development areas will face issues as they do not have access to parking facilities. The corporation should provide combined parking space in such localities,” Colonel (retd) TP Tyagi from Ghaziabad RWA federation, said.

For permanent encroachments, the fine proposed is per square foot. The encroachment will have to be demolished within 15 days of notice, officials said. The officials have proposed fine of Rs. 10 to Rs. 20 per sq ft per day from those who have set up kiosks or are found selling items on pavements.

The draft bylaws also have provisions of penalty recovery that will be added to the property tax bills. The penalty will attract 12% annual interest, officials said.