DIMAPUR, AUGUST 14 (MExN): The Nyamo Lotha Road Business Association (NLRBA) has objected to the move for levying parking tax at Nyamo Lotha Road Dimapur, which is to be monitored by the Dimapur Municipal Council (DMC).
A press note from the NLRBA General Secretary, Khekishe Aye stated that at the moment, autorickshaws which are the main mode of public transport are allowed entry only for specific hours thus making it difficult for common man to shop at NL Road.
“On top of that, if vehicles are charged Rs 10 per hour for parking then it will definitely affect the business along the stretch since it will discourage shoppers on vehicles to shop along the road stretch,” it stated.
The association further pointed out that for businessmen who come on vehicles, reach early morning and park their cars until late evening, they will have to pay at least Rs 120-150 per day for parking tax which will take a toll on their daily expenses.
“A commuter who might stop only for few minutes will have to shell out Rs 10 and this will obviously discourage the commuter to make a stopover along the stretch and opt for charge-free parking area elsewhere and shop there thereby affecting business activity at NL Road,” it reasoned.
The Dimapur Transport Authority while issuing the notification had informed that the exercise was “necessitated to streamline random parking and to endorse smooth flow of traffic.” This reason, the association said, is irrational since traffic personnel are deployed all over the town to ensure smooth traffic and regularized parking.
“Moreover, this reasoning given by the DTA goes on to reflect that the traffic personnel were not capable of ensuring smooth traffic and proper parking at the said road stretch,” it added.
The NLRBA questioned that if at all parking tax is to be levied, “why not the whole of Dimapur but only NL Road thus affecting business activity in that area and discouraging shoppers to stop along the stretch?” “Is NL Road the only road where random parking and rush traffic is prevalent?” it further posed.
In view of this, the NLRBA urged the DTA to cancel the notification on parking tax and to rather appeal the traffic personnel to ensure smooth traffic and proper parking without creating unnecessary monetary burden on the public.
