GHMC plans to revamp parking

Hyderabad: Citizens, prepare to pay more for parking and purchases at the GHMC model markets. In an announcement soon, the GHMC chief  will declare an increase in certain payments allowing the body to also make money out of multi-storey parking lots, play grounds  and community halls.

According to GHMC  commissioner Dr B. Janardhan Reddy, the GHMC  is set to increase parking fees. The civic body leases out 53 parking yards from which it earns just about Rs 3 crore a year. The parking fees is Rs 20 an hour and parking contractors are raking in the moolah.

In comparison, parking contractors at malls — which are supposed to provide parking for free — are charging vehicles anywhere from Rs 30-70 per hour. Mr Reddy said a detailed survey must be done to change the contracts system and to improve the GHMC revenues from parking.

Officials also plan to earn extra income from community halls. The corporation’s chief said, “GHMC owns community halls across the twin cities, which have been encroached into by political leaders. These halls will now be brought under the control of the Deputy Commissioners. They will also be maintained and given to self-help Groups for a charge.”

Also revenue will be generated from 521 playgrounds,  nine badminton courts, nine big sports complexes, owned by the GHMC. After a survey, the civic body is likely to rent out playgrounds to schools. The details of parks, halls, playgrounds and other open places will also be uploaded on to the GHMC’s website.