To tackle the annual problem of overcrowded parking lots near markets, the Chandigarh Traffic Police have identified 22 alternative parking sites across the city. The special arrangements will remain in force from October 2 to October 21. These include government school grounds that will remain open for public parking after school hours and throughout the day on holidays until Diwali. A traffic police official said that the move aims to ease congestion and ensure smooth vehicular movement during the busy festive season. The period from October 2 to October 21 is expected to witness heavy footfall in major commercial areas. The police have urged residents to cooperate with traffic police and use the designated parking facilities to prevent bottlenecks on key roads. The alternative parking sites cover almost every major sector market—in Sectors 8, 15, 18, 19, 20, 22, 29, 30, 31, 32, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 40, 41, 44, 45, 46, and 47 and Mani Majra—providing visitors ample options to park their vehicles close to shopping zones. Among the designated spots are the premises of Government Model High School, Sector 8B; Government Model Senior Secondary School, near Gurdwara Sahib, Sector 15C; Government Girls Model Senior Secondary School, Sector 18D; and various government schools in Sectors 19, 20, 22, 29, 30, 35, 36, 37, 38, 40, 41, 44, 45, 46, and 47 and Mani Majra. The traffic police have also appealed to residents to walk to nearby markets wherever possible and avoid peak shopping hours. Parking on roads, cycle tracks, or pedestrian pathways has been strictly prohibited, and violators may face towing or wheel-clamping of vehicles. Citizens are advised not to leave valuables inside their vehicles, as the police will not be responsible for any loss. In case a vehicle is towed or clamped, the public can contact the traffic helpline at 1073 or Emergency 112 for assistance, said a police official. The police have also advised people to consider carpooling to minimise the number of vehicles on roads and park vehicles efficiently in designated parking areas, ensuring no extra space is occupied. "Do not park on roads; vehicles found violating this may be towed or clamped. Do not park or drive on cycle tracks or pedestrian pathways. Avoid leaving valuables in your vehicle. Park only in designated parking lots or school/college parking facilities near markets," read a traffic police advisory.
