Yusuf Sarai to get one-lane parking

NEW DELHI: The authorities have drawn up a plan to allow one-lane parking along Yusuf Sarai market on Aurobindo Marg. But the decision, according to PWD sources, may lead to more chaos in the area.
At a recent meeting of the Environment Pollution Control Authority (EPCA) with other stakeholders, members felt this is the only solution to the persisting parking problem.The plan is to restore the broken pavement and earmark space for parking “without narrowing the main carriageway”. The move comes after Yusuf Sarai traders allegedly demolished the footpaths outside their shops over parking issues last month.
EPCA members, however, admitted that if agencies such as the traffic police and MCD did not ensure enforcement, double-lane parking could lead to congestion on the busy road.
The Times of India had first reported on April 18 how footpaths had been demolished overnight. “The redevelopment plan for Aurobindo Marg has been finalized after talking to all agencies and much of it has been implemented on ground. Footpaths will be constructed again and one-lane parking will be allowed along the road as there is no alternative space available for parking. We have been assured by other agencies that the carriageway on either side of the road is wide enough to ensure parking without resulting in traffic congestion,’’ said Sunita Narain, member of EPCA. Traders said they are happy with this plan, which is likely to be implemented soon.
Talking about the need to ensure enforcement, Narain said, “We will ask the traffic police and MCD to ensure that no double-lane parking takes place as this will lead to congestion. Encroachments along this stretch will also be removed. The shopkeepers have promised to cooperate.’’
But the PWD does not seem very happy with the plan. “There is space to either restore the footpath or provide for parking. If the footpath is restored and parking is also allowed on the roadside, it will lead to chaos. We are not in favor of this plan,’’ said a source, who did not wish to be named.
According to authority members, some shopkeepers of Yusuf Sarai were also arrested for damaging public property — this was confirmed by the cops. “Three people, including the president of Yusuf Sarai Market Association, were arrested almost a month back. They seemed to have demolished the footpath as it left no space for parking cars,’’ said a police officer at Hauz Khas police station. But no one has apparently been made to pay up for the damages.
The rubble that has been lying along the road for months will now finally be removed by PWD, as the stretch comes under its jurisdiction. “We were given orders by EPCA to clear the malba only on Saturday. It has been lying since the footpaths were demolished. The process has started and it will soon be removed,’’ said a PWD official.
EPCA had also passed orders for integration of the Metro station at Aurobindo Marg with other modes of public transport and pedestrian access. “General improvement of the area has been done by various agencies to ensure it is more pedestrian friendly. Signalized pedestrian crossing will be provided along this stretch. There is a footpath right outside the shops for pedestrians. The one along the main road will also be restored by PWD now,’’ said Narain.