After plaints, police intensify action on parking chaos outside private hospitals in Patiala
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Take your experience further with Premium access. Thought-provoking Opinions, Expert Analysis, In-depth Insights and other Member Only BenefitsThe police are preparing to take major action against private hospitals and nursing homes located on Income Tax Office Road, following persistent complaints of traffic congestion caused by haphazard parking outside these establishments.
Superintendent of Police (City) Harinder Mann said two notices have already been issued to the hospitals and they have now written to the Municipal Corporation Commissioner seeking the layout plans of these buildings to verify their mandatory parking provisions.
The stretch remains choked for most of the day as vehicles spill over onto the road, causing severe inconvenience to commuters and residents of the adjoining Bank Colony.
Neeraj Bhatti, Senior Town Planner (STP), confirmed that the department had received a communication from the SSP’s office.
“Construction of any building cannot be approved without adequate parking provision. Whether these facilities are actually being used now needs to be examined,” Bhatti said.
Residents, however, allege that despite repeated complaints to the Municipal Corporation and police, no action has been taken.
“Those running these establishments escape accountability every time,” said a resident living near the hospital requesting anonymity.
On most days, vehicles are parked on both sides of the road, while attendants of patients continue adding to the congestion, leaving the road completely clogged. Government Rajindra Hospital, located just a few metres away, is also impacted.
“Ambulances heading to Rajindra Hospital often get stuck in the chaos outside these private hospitals,” said another resident.
Locals demanded that the government intervene without delay, with a resident adding, “Authorities must ensure that all vehicles are parked inside the designated parking areas and not on the road.”