GUWAHATI: What should be a simple act of parking a vehicle has turned into an ordeal for many in Guwahati. From verbal abuse to illegal overcharging, multiple residents have come forward alleging harassment by parking lot attendants across the city. The problem seems widespread, with no proper enforcement of parking rules or accountability on the ground.
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On April 4, Dhanjit Deka, a resident of Guwahati, parked his two-wheeler for half an hour near a commercial area in the Six Mile area.
Talking to GPlus, he said, “When I went to pay the parking fee, I asked for a receipt. Suddenly, they claimed I had parked for five hours. I had only been there for 30 minutes. As per GMC rules, parking a two-wheeler for up to two hours should cost Rs 5, but they demanded Rs 100. When I insisted on the receipt and mentioned the rules, they began to argue and behave very rudely. I felt threatened. All along a traffic policeman just remained a mute spectator. This is not acceptable in a civil society.
The issue seems to worsen after dark. A car owner, who parked near Pratiksha Hospital during the night talking to GPlus said, “I had taken my mother for treatment. I was in a rush and parked for an hour. The attendant demanded Rs 50. When I reminded him the official rate is Rs 10 for two hours, he became aggressive. I didn’t argue further since my mother was unwell and I had no time to fight,” he said.
For women, the situation is even more distressing.
Talking to GPlus, Priyakshi Sharma recalled an incident on AT Road where she parked her car during the day. “Some boys managing the parking lot started fighting when I asked for a receipt. They were charging more than the fixed rate. When I mentioned GMC guidelines, they tried to stop my car from leaving. I had to pay them just to avoid a scene as my parents were with me. It felt unsafe and unjust.”
Under the Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) rules, parking rates are clearly defined. For two-wheelers, it is Rs 5 for up to two hours, and for four-wheelers, Rs 10 for two hours. The problem, however, lies in the enforcement and monitoring of these leased parking lots, many of which operate without any visible receipt system and often in an intimidating manner.
However, talking to GPlus, Mrigen Sarania, Mayor of Guwahati Municipal Corporation said, “We are aware that some parking contractors are violating the rules. If anyone faces such behaviour, they must immediately file a complaint with the GMC and the nearest police station. Once we receive a complaint and verify it, we will cancel the contractor’s lease. But without formal complaints, we cannot take action.”
