Hubballi-Dharwad Municipal Corporation Takes Strict Action on Parking Norm Violations
In a decisive move to address rampant violations of building regulations, the Hubballi-Dharwad Municipal Corporation (HDMC) has resolved to initiate stringent measures to restore designated parking spaces in commercial complexes and apartment buildings across the twin cities. This action follows growing concerns over traffic congestion and public inconvenience caused by inadequate parking infrastructure.
Mayor Jyothi Patil Leads General Body Meeting on Critical Issue
Presiding over the general body meeting in Dharwad on Friday, Mayor Jyothi Patil emphasized the seriousness of the issue, stating that it must be addressed proactively to accommodate the future growth of Hubballi and Dharwad. She announced that the corporation will conduct a thorough scrutiny of completion certificates (CC) issued to commercial complexes and apartment buildings over the past five years.
If property owners are found to have violated norms by failing to provide adequate parking space, unauthorized basement structures—particularly those rented out for commercial purposes—will be demolished to create necessary parking facilities. This decision aims to alleviate the severe traffic bottlenecks plaguing the region.
Floor Leader Iresh Anchatgeri Raises Alarm Over Congestion
The discussion was initiated by floor leader Iresh Anchatgeri, who highlighted the indiscriminate roadside parking that has led to widespread congestion across Hubballi and Dharwad. He revealed that over the past five years, more than 250 apartment buildings and a similar number of commercial complexes have been constructed in the twin cities.
Anchatgeri alleged that officials issued completion and occupancy certificates without proper inspection of parking facilities. With over two lakh properties and more than four lakh vehicles in the area, the lack of parking space in buildings has forced residents to park on roads, exacerbating traffic problems. He further accused some town planning officials of colluding with property owners to issue occupancy certificates despite clear violations.
Besides demolishing unauthorized basement structures, Anchatgeri demanded strict action against erring officials to ensure accountability and prevent future lapses.
Corporators Voice Support and Highlight Additional Concerns
Corporator Vijayanand Shetty supported the demand, noting that several multi-storey paying guest (PG) accommodations in Dharwad lack parking facilities, forcing students to park vehicles on roads and causing significant inconvenience. He added that in some areas, roads have been encroached upon, and many localities do not even meet the required nine-metre-wide road standards.
Other corporators, including Shivu Menasinkai, Satish Hangal, Tippanna Majjagi, and Shivu Hiremath, pointed out that numerous marriage halls also lack parking space, leading to severe traffic disruptions during functions. Congress corporator Rajshekar Kamati suggested imposing heavy penalties on violators to deter non-compliance.
Mayor Assures Action Based on Inspection Reports
In response to these concerns, Mayor Patil assured that HDMC would act based on detailed inspection reports. The corporation will demolish unauthorized basement structures in buildings that have failed to provide parking space as per established norms. This systematic approach is expected to restore order and improve urban mobility in the twin cities.
Additional Agenda: Corporation Hospital Renovation and Water Supply Issues
During the meeting, Congress corporator Kavita Kabber urged the House to renovate the corporation hospital located near the old bus stand in Dharwad. She appealed to the Mayor to mobilize funds from MPs, MLAs, and other sources, and allocate resources in the upcoming budget for hospital upgrades.
Mayor Patil responded by announcing that a House committee would be formed to assess the facilities required at the hospital and submit a report for further action. She also addressed complaints about drinking water shortages at the civil hospital and government schools, directing HDMC commissioner Rudresh Ghali to instruct the L&T company to ensure uninterrupted water supply to all government hospitals and schools.
This comprehensive meeting underscores HDMC's commitment to addressing critical urban infrastructure challenges, from parking violations to healthcare and water supply, paving the way for sustainable development in Hubballi and Dharwad.
