DHARWAD: The Hubballi-Dharwad Municipal Corporation (HDMC) is taking action against violations of building regulations related to parking in commercial and residential structures across the twin cities.
During a general body meeting on Friday, Mayor Jyothi Patil emphasized the urgency of addressing these issues to accommodate Hubballi and Dharwad’s future growth.
The Corporation will undertake a review of completion certificates (CC) issued to commercial and residential developments in the last five years. Properties found lacking designated parking spaces may face demolition of unauthorized basement structures, especially those used for commercial purposes, to create parking facilities.
This initiative was prompted by concerns raised by Floor Leader Iresh Anchatgeri regarding the chaotic roadside parking contributing to traffic snarls in the twin cities.
Anchatgeri noted that over 250 residential buildings and an equal number of commercial properties have emerged in the last five years, alleging that completion and occupancy certificates were issued without proper verification of parking provisions. With a total of over two lakh properties and more than four lakh vehicles in the area, inadequate parking has compelled residents to use roadside spaces, exacerbating congestion.
He further accused town planning officials of collusion with property owners to approve occupancy certificates despite infractions. Aside from dismantling unauthorized basements used for businesses, he called for stringent actions against negligent officials.
Corporator Vijayanand Shetty supported these concerns, highlighting that numerous multi-storeyed paying guest (PG) accommodations in Dharwad lack parking, causing inconvenience for students who must park on roads. He also pointed out that some areas have narrow roads and are affected by encroachments.
Other corporators, including Shivu Menasinkai, Satish Hangal, Tippanna Majjagi, and Shivu Hiremath, noted that various marriage halls lack parking, resulting in significant traffic issues during events. Congress corporator Rajshekar Kamati proposed hefty fines for violators.
In response, Mayor Patil stated the HDMC would act on inspection findings, targeting unauthorized basement structures in buildings not meeting parking standards.
Call for Renovation of Corporation Hospital
Congress corporator Kavita Kabber appealed for renovations at the corporation hospital near the old bus stand in Dharwad, urging the corporation to seek funding from MPs, MLAs, and other sources to allocate in the upcoming budget.
Mayor Patil responded affirmatively, indicating a committee will be established to evaluate the hospital’s needs and propose further actions.
Additionally, she instructed HDMC Commissioner Rudresh Ghali to ensure the L&T company guarantees a consistent water supply to all government hospitals and schools amid complaints of water shortages.
