Vijayapura
Public anger is growing in Vijayapura over the commercial use of basement areas meant only for parking in major shopping complexes across the city. Serious allegations have been made against the Vijayapura Mahanagara Palike for failing to enforce parking rules properly. Several large commercial buildings on BLDEA Road, Ram Mandir Road and 12 Kamaan Road are reportedly running shops in basement areas instead of providing parking facilities.
Due to this, motorists and pedestrians are facing daily problems. With no proper parking space, vehicles are being parked on busy roads, leading to traffic jams and safety risks. Residents say the situation becomes worse during peak hours, when narrow roads are blocked by parked vehicles, slowing down traffic movement.
Pedestrians, including senior citizens and schoolchildren, are often forced to walk on the roads as footpaths remain blocked. This has increased the risk of accidents and caused fear among daily commuters. Citizens allege that shopping complex owners are ignoring public convenience and focusing only on profits by converting parking spaces into commercial shops.
Urban planning experts point out that basement parking is essential for smooth traffic flow in cities. Using these areas for commercial purposes violates building rules and creates long-term traffic problems. They warn that allowing such violations can damage the city’s planning system.
Despite repeated complaints, residents claim that the city corporation has not taken strict action against the offenders. This has raised questions about poor monitoring and possible negligence by authorities.
Citizens have demanded immediate inspections of shopping complexes and strict penalties against rule violators. They want basement areas restored for parking. With traffic increasing daily, people warn that ignoring this issue will cause bigger problems in the future.