Work on TMC’s parking lot set to begin in October

NO HURDLES Underground parking lot at Gaondevi maidan to accommodate 250 vehicles

THANE: Despite protests from activists, Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) has decided to start work on the underground parking lot at Gaondevi maidan next month.

While activists said the parking lot will destroy the ground, TMC has already appointed an agencytocarryouttheconstruction. The first-of-its-kind civicownedundergroundparkinglot in the city will be able to accommodate250vehiclesandeasecongestion on the roads.

Thane-based activist Mahesh Bedekar had filed a public interestlitigation(PIL)intheBombay highcourt(HC)againsttheparking lot in April, as he said that it would destroy the ground.

However, a TMC official, on condition of anonymity said, “Thecourthasnotorderedastay ontheprojectsowehavedecided togoaheadwiththeconstruction. Weareawaitingforthemonsoon to end, and will start work in October.”

Hesaidtheplansforconstructionhavealreadybeenapproved and the tendering process, too, has been completed. “We plan to completetheconstructionwithin two years. The parking will be underground so the ground will not be affected. We will also restore it to its original state.”

Meanwhile,Bedekarsaidheis not against the parking lot, but thecivicbodyshouldensurethat the ground space must not be compromised.

“In response to the PIL, TMC said they will restore the entire ground,includingtheramps.The workshouldnotmessupthesurrounding areas which are already congested.”

NamrataSethi,40,aresidentof Kolshet, said, “The city needs more parking spaces as vehicles are parked all over the roads, leadingtotrafficcongestion. The underground parking is a good idea,asthereisnospaceatThane station. The corporation should fast-track the project so the groundwillnotbeobstructedfor too long.”

The Gaondevi maidan in Thane has been reserved as a playground and parking is strictly prohibited on the ground. Activists say the parking lot should not affect the ground. PRAFUL GANGURDE/HT