Sambalpur: SMC Issues Warning; Consequences for Misuse of Parking Spaces and Illegal Parking

Sambalpur: The streets of Sambalpur have become unofficial parking lots, with vehicles parked on every road. The situation is considerably worse on the ring road, where vehicles have taken over half of the road due to shrunk lanes. The administration occasionally clears vehicles from the ring road just to make a good impression when high-ranking officials visit from the state level. However, this costs money and is only temporary. Once the senior officials leave Sambalpur, the illegal parking quickly resumes on the roads.

When the Chief Minister arrived to inaugurate the Samlei project, the roadways from Durgapali to Kacheri Street were clear of illegally parked vehicles. However, as soon as the Chief Minister left, cars started clogging the roads again. When SMC police and staff drive down the ring road, they ignore parking violations.

SMC Commissioner Vedbhushan has finally issued a notification to city residents. The notification refers to subsection 16 of Section 3 of the Odisha Development Authority Act of 1982. It states that if allowed parking spaces are utilized for other purposes, violators shall face consequences under sections 91 and 92. Their belongings in parking spaces will be taken, and they will be warned to close their businesses. Only time will tell if this notice prompts strict enforcement action or is ignored by the SMC officials.