PANAJI
A dispute has erupted between two government departments over a shared parking lot in Panaji, with the Directorate of Industries, Trade and Commerce (DITC) challenging the Electricity Department’s decision to clamp private vehicles and levy fines, questioning both the legality and fairness of the move.
In a communication addressed to the Executive Engineer of the Electricity Department (Land Acquisition Cell), DITC Deputy Director (Administration) Pratik Porob raised concerns over the legality and fairness of the arrangement.
“It has been conveyed in the letter that private vehicles parked in the said space will be clamped and released only upon payment of fines. In this regard, it may kindly be clarified under which statutory provisions, rules or notification, you are empowered to clamp vehicles and levy fines in this common area,” the letter stated.
The Directorate argued that the arrangement was not equitable, as Vidyut Bhavan already has its own designated parking space in front of its premises. By contrast, Udyog Bhavan accommodates multiple departments, including DITC, Department of Information and Publicity and the Software Technology Park, all of which have official vehicles requiring parking.
The letter also stressed that the disputed parking zone has traditionally been used by Udyog Bhavan departments “for many years without restriction.”
The DITC has thus urged the Electricity Department to provide clarity on the matter while it has forwarded copies of this letter to the Collector and District Magistrate of North Goa, the Superintendent of Police (Traffic) and the Chief Electrical Engineer, Electricity Department.
