Parking space a major worry

Karam Prakash

Tribune News Service

Patiala, February 21

The much-awaited Heritage and Saras Mela commenced with much fanfare here today. Around 3-4 lakh people are expected to visit the fair. Of the different venues in the city, a majority of the events will be held at the Qila Mubarak and Sheesh Mahal. 

The Sheesh Mahal is hosting the Saras Mela while cultural evenings are taking place at the Qila Mubarak.

Both these venues are highly prone to traffic jams due to insufficient parking spaces. During the fair, VIPs are also expected to visit the venues.

The Qila Mubarak is situated in a highly congested utensil market, adjacent to another crowded market Adalat Bazar. On normal days, traffic Jams at the Qila Mubarak are a common scene. With roadside vendors and many shops at the Qila Mubarak, managing traffic seems to be a Herculean task for the Patiala traffic police and district administration. There is no designated parking space at and near the Qila Mubarak. 

Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Poonamdeep Kaur, who is the in charge of the Heritage festival, said, “There are a few pockets near the Qila Mubarak which will be used as parking lots. Moreover, we remove encroachments near the Qila Mubarak to create more space for parking.” 

According to experts, the Qila Mubarak is not fit to handle heavy traffic. They said the area near the Qila Mubarak was congested and VIP movements would add to the residents’ woes. 

The road leading to the Sheesh Mahal is narrow and there is only one parking space nearby, which is approved by the administration. It is expected that the managing traffic at the venue is going to be a tough task for the organisers. 

Residential colonies around the Sheesh Mehal will certainly face a tough time during the week-long fair. Earlier, people used to park their vehicles at NIS Chowk and alongside the stretch leading from the chowk to the Sheesh Mahal. Locals have already complained of traffic problems. Therefore, the district administration is expected to review the arrangements in advance to avoid any untoward incident. 

Private parking comes up 

• In addition to a handful of parking stands marked by the district administration, many temporary private stands have come up on empty plots along the road leading to the Sheesh Mahal.  
• Dharmedra Singh, the owner of a private parking stand, said they had taken a plot on rent for two weeks from its owner. The government approved parking stands are charging Rs 10 for two-wheeler and Rs 20 for cars.