KOZHIKODE: Living in the heart of a city is a privilege, but not for many in Kozhikode. And the reason is simple: unchecked and uncontrolled parking on the roads that close their access to their homes, making it difficult for them to take their vehicles out or in. And if that is not enough, the spaces under flyovers, which are many in the city, have become dens of anti-social elements making.
The residents have a solution to solve the twin issues with one single step by the corporation: reserve the spaces under flyovers for paid parking. “Flyovers have become an easy option for many to park vehicles of any kind even for weeks and months,” says Dr Nalini Warier, a resident near Fifth Gate Flyover at Gandhi Road near Vellayil railway station. “The way people are parking is such a mess that we are unable to take our vehicle out of the gates.” Despite police patrolling, anti-social elements are using the area for public consumption of liquor and also the use and sale of drugs, say residents.
Dr Warrier said nothing concrete came out of the complaint they had raised with the former mayor. “If the corporation implemented the paid parking system, it would be revenue generation for the civic body and also a relief for residents,” she added. The police says that it cannot take action on the parking issue as it comes under the corporation.
“We have received complaints about the anti-social activities happening under flyovers and we are regularly passing on information to the shadow police,” said Vellayil Sub Inspector K. Hareesh Speaking to DC, Mayor Thottathil Raveendran said that the Corporation will seriously look into the issue. “It should be controlled and we cannot allow anything that impedes the peaceful life of citizens,” he said. He added that the Civic body will also look into possibilities of charging fee for parking.
