PONDA: Pondaites have welcomed the recent decision by the Ponda Municipal Council (PMC) to implement pay parking in the town. However, they emphasized the necessity for PMC to prioritize the creation of additional parking spaces before enforcing pay parking measures.
PMC resolved to introduce pay parking last month, pending approval from the Collector. The PMC Chairperson and traffic police officials have identified certain areas in town for pay parking implementation, aiming to deter long-term parking and ensure space availability for other vehicles.
Nevertheless, residents of Ponda expressed concerns regarding the insufficiency of parking spaces identified by PMC, which are already occupied. The shortage of parking areas compelled locals and visitors to resort to roadside parking, exacerbating traffic congestion and inconveniencing pedestrians.
Vishal Fadte highlighted the disparity between the vast Ponda Taluka and its relatively small headquarters, which faces a parking shortage exacerbated by the growing vehicle population. He warns of increased roadside parking and consequent traffic fines in the absence of adequate parking facilities.
While Viraj Sapre welcomed the introduction of pay parking, he questions the availability of parking spaces. Some shop owners have opposed pay parking in front of their establishments, fearing a loss of customers. Sapre advocates for the creation of additional spaces or the construction of parking plazas to accommodate the rising number of vehicles.
Naresh Naik underscores the daily struggle to find parking space, leading to widespread roadside parking. He recounts a former councillor’s confrontation with officials, demanding to be shown a parking space before accepting fines for parking violations, highlighting the town’s dire need for parking solutions.
