In light of the growing dangers of air pollution in the capital Delhi, people are taking the big decision to use private cars. In line with statutory guidance issued by the Council for Air Quality Management (CAQM) under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRP-II) for Very Poor Air Quality, several measures have been taken to prevent further deterioration in air quality. One of those actions is to increase parking fees. In response, the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) has decided to increase parking charges. The NDMC took the decision based on orders from the Council of Air Quality Management (CAQM).
As per the decision, NDMC parking charges (off-road/indoor) will be doubled from the existing parking charges administered by NDMC till the repeal in the second phase of GRAP. The parking fee increase does not apply to on-street spaces and monthly passes.
How much have parking fees increased?
- Four wheelers/cars increased from Rs 20 to Rs 40
- Two-wheeler/scooter prices increased from Rs 10 to Rs 20
- Bus fare increased from Rs 150 to Rs 300
- Automobile (indoor) increased from Rs 10 to Rs 20
- Scooters (indoor) increased from Rs 5 to Rs 10
NDMC has a total of 152 parking spaces, including 113 off-road parking spaces, 03 indoor parking spaces, 39 on-street parking spaces and 02 multi-storey parking spaces. A total of 116 parking spaces (off-road and indoor) users will be affected by the decision to increase parking charges.
What instructions has been issued by NDMC to RWAs and MTAs?
To control pollution, the City Council (NDMC) under the guidance of the Air Quality Management Committee has issued guidelines and measures for RWAs and MTAs to prevent air pollution. In order to protect public health and improve air quality, the National Development and Reform Commission has taken strict measures to strictly limit garbage incineration. Violators will be fined Rs 5,000 as per the challan rules. In the guidelines, NDMC has made it mandatory to provide electric heaters to security personnel to prevent burning of biomass, wood and other materials. Mandatory covering of construction and demolition sites to prevent dust and emissions is also part of measures to combat air pollution.
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NDMC has also proposed to provide charging stations as per the requirements of RWA and MTA to promote electric and hybrid vehicles. RWAs and MTAs are advised to increase green cover and maintain parks and community spaces through tree planting activities.
The NDMC has appealed to people to use public transport and reduce the use of private vehicles, use technology, use less congested routes, avoid dust-generating construction activities, dispose of solid waste and biomass between October and January. To avoid open burning. The aim is to prevent further deterioration in air quality in the capital.
