Parking pangs at PU

Ishrat S Banwait

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, August 13

Panjab University is yet to implement the four-wheeler ban and is awaiting ID cards of students. However, a couple of changes in the parking system have only increased the parking and traffic problems on the campus as of now. While parking on one side of the road has been started, rains have made many parking spaces unusable.

Most of the major roads on campus, including the stretch dividing the guest house and administrative block till Gate No.1, have been cordoned off on one side. Barricades have been put up at some gaps and a rope connects barricades. Thus, making the complete side of the road unavailable for parking. The same has been done on the road dividing the Student Centre and the law auditorium. While the aim is to spread the message of parking on only one side of the road in the long run, as of now it has only complicated the situation. With no check at the gates, numerous vehicles are entering the campus on a daily basis. Thus the available parking space has also been reduced leading to the problem. The barricades have also reduced the available width of the roads thus causing traffic snarls like at the junction in front of USOL and near the sector 14 market.

Rain adds to the problem

Another problem these days is the rain, which have made many makeshift parking areas unviable. Many departments which are not on the major roads do not have enough concrete parking spaces. These departments thus have to make use of the land which lies unused. Due to incessant rain, the amount of muck and water makes it virtually impossible for one to park their vehicle. Even if one does, stepping out of the car and not stepping in muck or water is again nearly impossible.

Such areas are thus seeing chaotic parking situations and cars being parked one behind the other. While the university chalks out a plan to solve the issue in the coming weeks, as of now, it is proving to be a hassle for students as well as the staff. The entry of outsiders in campus is also at its peak currently in view of the upcoming student elections.

The authorities say that the problem due to rain is rare and that the distribution of stickers has started. Chief of University Security Ahswani Kaul said, “Distribution of stickers to students will start from Monday and their ID cards will be given next week.” He said, “The problem will end with these steps as it will mark an end to entry of outsiders and non-sticker vehicles on the campus. As already decided, fresher will also not be allowed to enter in campus on four wheelers.”