The Amdavad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has ordered an inquiry into allegations of illegal parking fee collection near Law Garden and the construction of unauthorised iron-sheet sheds at Happy Street.
The Estate Department has come under scrutiny after complaints alleged that parking fees were being collected even though the contract for Happy Street and the surrounding Law Garden area expired around six months ago. Food vendors at Happy Street have also reportedly put up iron-sheet structures without the AMC’s permission.
Under the existing arrangement, vendors are required to operate from designated spaces using tables, chairs and carts. However, unauthorised sheds have reportedly come up at the site. Some vendors who had earlier been removed from Happy Street have also reportedly resumed their businesses.
A representation was made before the Standing Committee seeking the re-awarding of the parking contract to the previous contractor. The move would allow the AMC to generate revenue and prevent unauthorised parking fee collection.
Following complaints about illegal collections, Deputy Municipal Commissioner Ridhesh Raval assured that the matter would be investigated.
Raval said he learnt through media reports about the iron-sheet structures at Happy Street. Officials will first determine whether the structures are temporary or permanent and check whether the vendors have obtained the necessary permissions. Action will be taken based on the findings.
On the parking fee issue, Raval said that if anyone is found collecting money illegally, the AMC will investigate and file a police complaint. If the previous contractor is found to be involved, the Corporation will also take steps to recover the illegally collected amount.
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