MAPUSA
In a bid to alleviate the persistent issue of haphazard parking and traffic congestion in Mapusa's main market area, the Mapusa Municipal Council (MMC) is set to extend pay-parking zones.
The decision comes following the recent notification by the district magistrate, North, regarding additional areas designated for pay-parking.
The proposed pay-parking zones will encompass not only the bustling market but also strategic locations such as the road near the zonal education building and the vicinity adjacent to Mapusa Clinic.
Three prime spots within the market area, namely opposite Aram Soda, the stretch from Union Pharmacy to Canara Bank and the area in front of Usapkar channa shop, have been earmarked for organised parking.
Detailed arrangements have been outlined for these zones, with separate allocations for two-wheelers and four-wheelers. For instance, the stretch of road from Union Pharmacy to Canara Bank will exclusively accommodate two-wheelers, while the area opposite Aram Soda will offer both two-wheeler and four-wheeler parking, with dedicated lanes for each.
Similarly, areas in front of Usapkar channa shop will offer both two-wheeler and four-wheeler parking.
The stretch of road near the zonal education building has been fixed for two-wheeler parking on both sides while the road adjacent to Mapusa Clinic at Kenivaddo (clinic side) has been demarcated for only two-wheeler parking.
Acknowledging the pressing need to curtail reckless parking practices, a senior official from the MMC's engineering department revealed that the matter of inviting tenders for pay parking had previously been tabled before the council without success.
However, with the recent district magistrate's notification and the council's resolution, plans for inviting fresh tenders are underway.
Once the tendering process is initiated, the council will deliberate on the applicable parking rates. This move aims not only to regulate parking but also to generate revenue for the municipal council.
It is expected to dissuade commuters from surrounding villages, who often contribute to the congestion by parking indiscriminately, from relying solely on private vehicles.
Councillor Prakash Bhivshet emphasised the necessity of organised parking, particularly during peak hours such as the popular Friday market. He highlighted the rampant misuse of parking spaces, citing instances where entire lanes were monopolised by rent-a-bike operators.
With the impending expansion of pay parking zones, Mapusa residents can anticipate more structured parking facilities, potentially mitigating the long-standing issue of traffic congestion plaguing the town's commercial hub.
