Cidco notice to Vashi hotel for using public parking plot

NAVI MUMBAI: Relief might soon be in sight for commuters finding it difficult to get parking spaces near Vashi railway station. In September, the City and Industrial Development Corporation (Cidco) had served a show-cause notice to Hotel Tunga Regency in Vashi for allegedly taking up the public parking plot adjacent to the hotel premises.The planning body served the notice after Navi Mumbai-based social activist Sandeep Thakur filed a PIL in the Bombay high court, questioning whether a provision for parking for a hotel can be permitted on land outside the premises.

The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation ( NMMC) had earmarked plot 37 in sector 30 for the hotel and plot 36-B (adjacent to the hotel) for public parking. “The hotel obtained permission, which does not fit in the law,” Thakur said.

While serving the notice, Cidco had sought an explanation from the hotel management on why the lease of the plot should not be cancelled. TOI is in possession of the copy of the notice. Once the plot is thrown open to citizens, it would reduce parking woes near Vashi railway station.

When contacted, the hotel authorities said that their managing director was out of town and refused to share his mobile number.

While hearing the petition, Cidco told the court that parking plans were approved in violation of norms. The court directed Cidco to lodge an FIR against erring officials. Subsequently, Cidco filed an FIR against one of its officials. The next date of hearing is November 15. It is not known if the hotel has responded to the notice.