AMC orders action against illegal parking fee collectors at Law Garden Happy Street

Ahmedabad: The Amdavad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has ordered an inquiry into allegations of illegal parking fee collection at the ‘Pay and Park’ facility near Law Garden and the construction of unauthorised iron-sheet sheds at Happy Street.

The Estate Department has come under scrutiny over the issues, with complaints alleging that parking fees are being collected despite the contract for Happy Street and the surrounding Law Garden area having expired around six months ago. Meanwhile, food vendors at Happy Street have reportedly erected iron-sheet structures without the Corporation’s permission.

Under the existing arrangement, vendors are required to operate within designated spaces using tables, chairs and carts. However, unauthorised sheds have reportedly been constructed at the site. Some vendors who had earlier been removed from Happy Street have also reportedly resumed business.

Regarding the parking issue, a representation was made before the Standing Committee seeking the re-awarding of the contract to the previous contractor, which would allow the AMC to generate revenue and prevent unauthorised collections. Following complaints about illegal fee collection, the Deputy Municipal Commissioner assured that the matter would be investigated.

Deputy Municipal Commissioner Ridhesh Raval said he had learnt through media reports about the iron-sheet structures at Happy Street. He said officials would first determine whether the structures were temporary or permanent and verify whether the vendors had obtained the required permissions. Action would be taken based on the findings of the inquiry.

On the parking fee collection, Raval said that if anyone is found collecting money illegally, the AMC would investigate the matter and file a police complaint. If the previous contractor is found to be involved, the Corporation would also take steps to recover the illegally collected amount. DeshGujarat