Illegal food kiosks overrun parking lot in Cuttack | Bhubaneswar News
Cuttack: A designated parking lot at the OTDC recreation centre and boating complex called ‘Byanjan’, adjacent to Taladanda canal in Jobra, has been allegedly occupied by unauthorised food kiosks, forcing commuters to park on the roads and leading to severe congestion.
The problem of encroachment extends over a 500-metre stretch from Jobra circle to the ‘I Love Cuttack’ point, where over 40 unauthorised vendors have set up kiosks. The parking lot was made to accommodate at least 100 four-wheelers and 200 two-wheelers.
“Parking has become a nightmare. We’re forced to leave our vehicles on the road, risking fines and damage,” said Santosh Panda of Ranihat area.
A resident of Jobra, Dipayan Pattanaik, said, “Street vendors have taken over the huge parking lot. Authorities need to take action immediately.”
“Foul smell emanating from the waste generated by the vendors makes our life miserable. We are unable to open the windows of our house,” he added.
Dilip Sahoo, manager of OTDC, said, “We have repeatedly informed CMC commissioner Anam Patra and other authorities to take action, but it’s been months, and nothing has been done. Day by day, more illegal kiosks are coming up at the parking lot.”
Cuttack mayor Subhash Singh assured that steps would be taken to address the issue. “Illegal encroachment of designated parking spaces is unacceptable. We have identified the problem and will take measures to clear the area and restore it for parking,” Singh said.
Cuttack DCP Jagmohan Meena said, “We are aware of the situation and are working closely with CMC to resolve the issue. Street vending zones will be re-evaluated, and enforcement drives will be conducted to ensure the parking lot is freed from encroachments.”
The problem of encroachment extends over a 500-metre stretch from Jobra circle to the ‘I Love Cuttack’ point, where over 40 unauthorised vendors have set up kiosks. The parking lot was made to accommodate at least 100 four-wheelers and 200 two-wheelers.
“Parking has become a nightmare. We’re forced to leave our vehicles on the road, risking fines and damage,” said Santosh Panda of Ranihat area.
A resident of Jobra, Dipayan Pattanaik, said, “Street vendors have taken over the huge parking lot. Authorities need to take action immediately.”
“Foul smell emanating from the waste generated by the vendors makes our life miserable. We are unable to open the windows of our house,” he added.
Dilip Sahoo, manager of OTDC, said, “We have repeatedly informed CMC commissioner Anam Patra and other authorities to take action, but it’s been months, and nothing has been done. Day by day, more illegal kiosks are coming up at the parking lot.”
Cuttack mayor Subhash Singh assured that steps would be taken to address the issue. “Illegal encroachment of designated parking spaces is unacceptable. We have identified the problem and will take measures to clear the area and restore it for parking,” Singh said.
Cuttack DCP Jagmohan Meena said, “We are aware of the situation and are working closely with CMC to resolve the issue. Street vending zones will be re-evaluated, and enforcement drives will be conducted to ensure the parking lot is freed from encroachments.”
