The Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA) has issued notices to as many as 13 city establishments, including three hospitals, over collection of off-street parking fees.
The BDA has directed these malls and hospitals to stop collecting parking fee and report compliance within seven days, failing which action would be taken against them.
The establishments are Symphony Mall, The World, Forum Mart, Maruti Mall, Pal Mantra, Pantaloons Saheed Nagar, Bhawani Commercial Enclave, Esplanade One, DN Regalia, Central, Apollo Hospitals, Kalinga Hospital and Care Hospital.
“It has come to the notice of BDA that the off-street parking area shown in the approved building plan is being used for purposes other than parking of vehicles in some of the approved buildings. Further, it is noticed that in some cases, the setback area meant for vehicular driveway for fire-fighting vehicles and open spaces which are to be kept open are either being obstructed or construction has been undertaken in the setback area unauthorisedly,” the BDA said in its notices to the authorities of the concerned establishments.
The letter further said, “It has also come to the notice of BDA that some of the shopping malls, multiplexes, hospitals, etc., are imposing parking charges/fees. This is not consistent with the provisions of the BDA (P&BS) regulations as well as the approved building plan.”
“It is, therefore, directed to stop charging of parking fee and remove all such obstructions/constructions in the parking area and mandatory open space, to provide unhindered access to the parking area/ mandatory open space; and report compliances within 7 days, failing which action shall be initiated as per ODA Act, 1982 which includes, revocation of building plan approval/occupancy certificate, securing the development by sealing and/or removal/demolition of unauthorised obstructions/constructions,” the notices added.
Notably, the BDA had earlier asked all commercial and residential establishments in the city to stop charging parking fees in their premises with immediate effect, but the directive was flouted.