Street vendors urge civic body to cancel paid parking, request vendor zones

HUBBALLI

Street vendors urged HDMC authorities to cancel pay parking near Durgadbail Circle and to notify vendor zones on both sides of the road from Broadway to Durgadbail Circle. The vendors complained that the implementation of pay parking severely affected their business and livelihood. They explained that customers were reluctant to park their vehicles and shop due to parking fees, and the contractors of paid parking spaces were pressuring them to vacate the place. The Karnataka Beedhi Badi Vyaparigala Okkkuta submitted a memorandum to HDMC Commissioner and Mayor Ramanna Badiger, requesting immediate intervention. They emphasised that many vendors had been running their businesses in this area for decades, and their families depended on this income. The association suggested designating specific zones for vendors along both sides of the road, which would help organise the space better. HDMC Commissioner Rudresh Ghali assured that they would review the situation and consider the vendors' demands. Mayor Ramanna Badiger assured that he would convene meetings with officials and others in a couple of days to resolve the issue.

Speaking to media persons, HDMC Commissioner Rudresh Ghali said there were plans to issue notices to commercial establishments, requiring them to offer free parking facilities for customers. He indicated that strict enforcement measures would be implemented with police assistance to address vehicle parking issues. Mayor Badiger emphasised the necessity to regulate parking arrangements in commercial zones, particularly near shopping complexes and malls. He instructed commissioner Ghali to implement suitable measures to ensure compliance with these requirements.