Citizens form human chain to protest parking stipulations

Raising questions about the motive behind parking restrictions imposed by city traffic police on the right side of Fergusson College (FC) Road, citizens formed a human chain yesterday evening to protest against the ban.

Parking of all types of vehicles has been forbidden on the 600-metre stretch – from Gopalkrishna Gokhale Chowk to Fergusson Ladies Hostel – towards the right side of the bustling FC Road since last Monday. Traffic police initially were requesting and informing citizens about the new restrictions, and now they plan to take action against after violators.

Hand in hand: Citizens formed a human chain to protest against the parking restrictions imposed by traffic police on right side of Fergusson College Road since last Monday. Pic/Sachin Thakare

“Entire Pune city is vulnerable to terror attacks. So, why are police only imposing such prohibition on FC Road? Serial blasts had rocked JM Road, but cops have allowed parking on both sides over there. This raises questions about the motive behind the initiative,” said Sandeep Khardekar, originator of Creative Foundation NGO.

“Another issue is why have police banned parking only on the right side of FC Road. There is the British Council Library, several eateries and a college on the left side and these sites are equally vulnerable to terror,” Khardekar added.

“We are implementing the parking ban on FC Road on experimental basis. So far we have had good results and positive impact on the traffic flow. We have also conveyed our observations to the civic authorities. We will take a final decision regarding this later,” said inspector Neelam Jadhav from Deccan traffic division.

Demands
>> Immediate removal of parking restrictions on FC Rd
>> Police should establish ‘fixed points’ to maintain vigil on thestretch where they anticipate terror attack
>> If the restrictions are continued, traffic police should make alternative arrangements for parking
>> Encroachment-free footpaths on FC Rd

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