New Delhi: In a strategic move aimed at reducing the number of private vehicles on the roads and promoting public transportation, the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) has announced a substantial hike in parking fees, doubling the current prices. This increase is effective immediately and will remain in place until the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) Stage 2 is lifted.
As of October 22, GRAP Stage 2 has been activated throughout Delhi-NCR in response to alarmingly high air quality index (AQI) levels, which have surged past 300. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) implemented this measure to tackle the ongoing pollution crisis affecting the the national capital.
#NDMC is committed to control Air Pollution and take all measures necessary under GRAP Stage II. The important measures are disseminated to RWAs & MTAs through an advisory for essential steps to be taken to control Air Pollution.
NDMC – सेवा में तत्पर सदैव#PollutionFreeCity pic.twitter.com/hu2o6boCNB
— New Delhi Municipal Council Official (@tweetndmc) October 22, 2024
What will be the new charges?
Notably, under the previous fee structure, NDMC charged Rs 20 per hour for parking four-wheeled vehicles, with a daily maximum of Rs 100. Two-wheeled vehicles were charged Rs 10 per hour. Multi-level parking facilities previously charged Rs 10 for four hours for cars and Rs 5 for two-wheelers. With the new directive, these rates will now be doubled, placing a considerable financial burden on drivers.
The NDMC’s decision highlights the urgent need to address the escalating pollution levels in the city and emphasises the importance of shifting towards more sustainable transportation options. As air quality continues to decline, residents are encouraged to explore public transport alternatives during this critical period.
Enforcement of GRAP-II in Delhi-NCR
Notably earlier on Monday, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) ordered the implementation of GRAP-II across the entire National Capital Region.
CAQM urges the citizens of NCR to follow the steps mentioned in the Citizen Charter of Stage-II along with Stage-I of GRAP.
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.@moefcc @CPCB_OFFICIAL @dpcc_pollution @UPPCBLKO @RSPCB_official #HSPCB pic.twitter.com/hYevMDvXlB— Commission for Air Quality Management (@CAQM_Official) October 22, 2024
“In an effort to prevent further deterioration of the air quality, the Sub-Committee decided that all actions as envisaged under Stage II of the GRAP-Very Poor Air Quality be implemented by all the agencies concerned in the NCR, in addition to the Stage-I actions already in force, from 8:00 A.M. of 22.10.2024 in the National Capital Region (NCR),” reads the official order from CAQM.
