Team Herald
PANJIM: In a bid to generate revenue for the City Corporation that is in the red, and to bring in discipline among drivers, the Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP) standing committee on Wednesday approved pay parking at 18 places in the city. Four-wheelers will be charged Rs 20 for the first two hours, while two-wheelers will have to shell out Rs 10 for parking up to four hours.
The long-pending decision on pay parking, was however, not passed unanimously by the Standing Committee, as two members from the opposition BJP panel – former Mayors Vaidhei Naik and Shubham Chodankar – objected to the rates, claiming it not feasible for common man.
The final decision will be taken by the 30-member council at the meeting likely to be scheduled later this month.
The six-member standing committee, led by Mayor Surendra Furtado, unanimously resolved to defer the decision to hike the sanitation fees – garbage collection – for the next year. The proposal was to hike the fees from existing Rs 365 to Rs 750 annually for residences and Rs 500 annually to commercial establishments that are currently charged Rs 200 per year.
Speaking to media persons after the meeting, Furtado said, “Since the opposition councillors objected to the (pay parking) rates, we have to now propose this before the council.” He added that the earlier rates were a meagre Rs 4 and Rs 10.
As per the rates for four-wheelers, Rs 20 would be charged for first two hours and Rs 20 for the subsequent hour up to 12 hours would be charged. Above 12 hours, Rs 100 per hour would be charged.
For two-wheelers, riders will have pay Rs 10 for the first four hours and Rs five for the subsequent hours up to 12 hours and above 12 hours, the fees would be Rs 50 per hour.
“The concept of pay parking is not just for generation of revenue but to bring in discipline. Hence, I want that these people, once they enter the city get proper designated parking,” the mayor said.
Expressing unhappiness over the opposition councillor’s objection, Furtado said that unless people support the initiate, even Smart City won’t work out for Panjim.
Naik and Chodankar said the rates are not feasible for the common man, especially those who visit the city regularly.
for work or official purpose.
As far sanitation fees are concerned, Mayor said the committee was of the view that since several people have already paid the annual amount, they will find the increase an additional burden. Hence it was decided to implement it from the next year.
