Accommodation reservation takes off

About 3163 square metre plot at 436 Narayan Peth, popularly known as Hamal Wada, was reserved for parking purpose since 1967. The PMC acquired 2243 square metre part of the plot where the parking lot had already been started. The administration, however, could not acquire 920 square metre land since the tenants went to the court challenging the reservation. The court judgement went in favour of the municipal corporation. The PMC, however, could not acquire the land due to lack of funds.

The property owner then submitted a proposal by which he requested the PMC to allow him to develop the portion of the property, which was not acquired by the administration. The owner also assured that he would use the FSI to rehabilitate the tenants. The civic administration approved the proposal to avoid litigation and also taking into consideration the fact that the civic administration had lacked funds to pay compensation to the property owner.

The civic officials described today8217;s decision as vital since it would set a precedent in cases of reserved plots. The civic officials believe that accommodation reservation would help the administration to use the reserved plots. The PMC has in recent times failed to acquire the reserved plots due to paucity of funds, and also several plot owners have gone to the court.

The civic officials said the administration would stop land acquisition procedure of Hamal Wada following the standing committee8217;s decision. The corporation will construct a multi-storied building there where the ground floor would be used for public parking. Even as the PMC had started the parking lot there it remained underutilised as it had no entrance from the Laxmi Road.

The proposed parking lot will have entrance from the Laxmi Road, which is expected to reduce the number of parked vehicles on the Laxmi Road.