Konkan Bhavan bans visitors' parking, activists cry foul

NAVI MUMBAI: The landmark Konkan Bhavan complex in Belapur CBD, which houses nearly 70 offices of the state government, has literally shut its gates to the visitors' vehicles. Only 'assigned' or registered vehicles of government officials are now allowed in the parking area, which is being challenged by citizens and activists who say that this is a violation of the state rules and parking guidelines.
"I have written to the administration of the Konkan division, which is in charge of the Konkan Bhavan complex, and also intimated Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation about this blatant violation of the development control (DC) rules which state that at least 10% of vehicle parking space must be reserved for visitors in government buildings and also in private companies and housing societies.It is ironic that such a large government organisation like Konkan division has willfully swept aside the DC rules for parking and banned visitors' cars and bikes inside," said RTI activist Anarjit Chauhan.
Another city activist Rohit Malhotra said: "We have been fighting over illegal parkings in public spaces for long. However, in this case (of Konkan Bhavan), the government authority has illegally stopped legitimate visitors' parking. So many elderly people and disabled persons have to regularly visit Konkan Bhavan offices to get their personal work done. However, with no parking available inside the complex, it becomes rather strenuous to find alternate parking."
When TOI visited Belapur CBD to check the parking issue, it was observed that even outside the Konkan Bhavan complex, there is absolutely no public parking available. The earlier car parking area outside Belapur railway station (opposite Konkan Bhavan) is also shut now due to ongoing Metro construction. Hence, only the NMMT buses are allowed to park here.
Konkan division tehsildar (general administration) Nitin Chavan said: "We have recently implemented these changes with regards to car parking, as there is limited parking space inside, which can be utilized by the government staff cars and bikes itself. As per the original plan of Konkan Bhavan, there is space for 100 cars and around 218 two-wheelers. Hence, only assigned vehicles will be allowed to park inside."
When asked about the 10% reservation for visitors' parking, Chavan said he will have to consult with seniors on this point.
When TOI contacted the NMMC town planning department, an official said: "It is mandatory to keep 10% parking reservation in government buildings, as per the DC rules. This also applies to private office buildings and housing societies."
"I am waiting for the formal reply to my demand that Konkan Bhavan must allow visitors' parking. If it is still not implemented, I will take it up with the highest state authorities, since Konkan Bhavan is also a public property where government servants work to serve the people. It is not a personal 'jaagir' (landed property) that you shut the main gate to visitors just like that, making a mockery of state laws'' said activist Chauhan.