‘No Parking’ issue of B.G. Kher Marg (Ridge Road)
The recent decision by the Mumbai Traffic Police to implement a ‘No Parking’ regulation near P.M. Garden and K.N. Park along both sides of B.G. Kher Marg, specifically from K.N. Park Gate No. 2 to the bungalows near Gate No. 3 of Sir P.M. Garden, appears to be unnecessary.
For decades, both sides offered free parking for vehicles and tourist buses. Post-covid, this area has been subjected to new “No Parking” restrictions, which is unjustified considering that it has been peacefully used by citizens for parking for decades, particularly those who visit the Gardens. The absence of traffic congestion adds to the confusion regarding this activity.
The latest plan to put up barriers on one side is particularly risky. The main reasons are: (a) It has reduced the width of the road, causing traffic jams and disorder. (b) Vehicles generally travel at high speeds here, and the restricted width endangers people’s safety. (c) With barricades on one side, parking space has been decreased, causing difficulties for daily walkers and visitors to the gardens.
In fact, the action against citizens’ cars peacefully coexisting considers this as bad treatment and unjust to an established system, which, even today, with parking facilities on both sides for 24 hours, will cause no harm to anyone.
It is a fact that anywhere in the world any iconic place of mass visitors are given an honourable vehicular parking space. This is an commitment from any governing authorities.
None of the officials in this monologue have an explanation for why these one-sided actions are carried out without consulting the public. “We have received orders” is the only response that has been provided thus far.
Do the authorities expect that residents will take to the streets in this situation? or to appropriately react to our own government in civic polls? Hope our message reach the various authorities.
(Walkers of both K.N. & P.M. Gardens & many local citizens)
a newspaper for residents of Malabar Hills.
