Parking Projects – Delhi Civic Meeting Disrupted Amid Opposition Protests
Parking Projects – Three major multi-level parking proposals in Delhi remained pending on Monday after a stormy session of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) House was adjourned following protests by opposition councillors. The disruption stalled discussions on several important civic matters, including sanitation preparedness and anti-encroachment measures ahead of the monsoon season.
The House proceedings witnessed repeated interruptions as opposition members raised slogans over the alleged NEET examination paper leak controversy. During the protest, councillors also carried posters featuring cockroaches, describing them as symbolic of the growing influence of what they mockingly referred to as the “Cockroach Janta Party.” The protest created chaos inside the meeting hall, forcing the adjournment before many scheduled agenda items could be debated.
Parking Expansion Plans Delayed
Among the key proposals left undecided were three large multi-level parking projects planned for New Friends Colony, Kalkaji and Jangpura. According to officials, the projects are intended to improve vehicle parking availability in densely populated residential and commercial areas where traffic congestion has become a persistent concern.
The proposed facility in New Friends Colony is expected to provide space for 604 vehicles, which is higher than the earlier planned capacity of 502. In Kalkaji, the parking structure is designed to accommodate around 406 vehicles, compared to the previous estimate of 376. Meanwhile, the Jangpura project is projected to handle parking for approximately 308 vehicles once completed.
Civic authorities believe the expansion of structured parking facilities could ease roadside congestion and improve traffic movement in these busy neighbourhoods. However, with the matter remaining unresolved in the House meeting, the projects are likely to face further administrative delays.
Civic Administration Proposal Also Deferred
Another important proposal that could not be discussed involved assigning additional licensing responsibilities to sanitary inspectors across various municipal wards. The plan was aimed at addressing staff shortages within the civic body and improving action against illegal encroachments in different parts of the city.
Officials had earlier indicated that combining these responsibilities could help strengthen enforcement activities and streamline field operations. However, the disruption in the meeting prevented the matter from being formally considered.
Mayor Criticises Disruptions
Following the adjournment, Mayor Pravesh Wahi addressed the media and expressed concern over the inability of the House to discuss urgent civic issues. He stated that repeated interruptions prevented meaningful conversations on public welfare matters, especially preparations linked to the upcoming monsoon season.
According to the Mayor, discussions regarding drain desilting and cleanliness campaigns were attempted multiple times during the session but could not proceed because of the continued protests by councillors from the opposition benches.
He said sanitation and drainage management remain critical concerns for residents, particularly before heavy rainfall begins in the capital. The Mayor added that delays in discussions on such issues could affect the pace of civic planning and implementation.
Some Proposals Receive Approval
Despite the disruptions, the MCD House managed to approve a few proposals before the proceedings were halted. Among them were projects linked to the integrated collection and transportation system for solid waste management in the South, West and Central Zones of Delhi.
The approved measures are expected to support waste handling operations and improve garbage collection efficiency in several areas of the city. In addition, councillors also cleared a proposal related to the construction of a community hall in Shahdara.
The meeting reflected growing political tensions within the civic body at a time when several infrastructure and public service matters are awaiting decisions. With multiple proposals now postponed, further discussions are expected in upcoming House sessions.