The Municipal Corporation Chandigarh has announced a strict ban on parking in all its parking areas from midnight to 6 am. The new rule applies to both paid parking sites and designated free parking areas managed or controlled by the civic body.
The decision was issued through directions by MC commissioner Amit Kumar. According to the order, no vehicle will be allowed to remain parked in any of the corporation’s parking lots during the specified night hours.
Officials said the step has been taken to improve regulation and prevent misuse of public spaces. However, the move has triggered strong reactions from political parties and residents, who have raised concerns about the lack of alternative arrangements.
The MC has clarified that the restriction does not apply to roads outside private homes. Residents can continue parking their vehicles in front of their houses as per existing norms. The rule is limited to parking areas under the direct control of the municipal corporation.
Along with the night parking ban, the civic body has also made it clear that parking on MC land is strictly prohibited at all times unless the area is officially marked and notified for parking.
This includes open grounds, green belts, road berms, and paver block areas. Vehicles found parked in such places may face action under relevant rules.
The commissioner stated that any vehicle found violating the new instructions during midnight to 6 am will face strict penalties. These may include challaning, clamping of vehicles, and towing or removal. The vehicle will be removed at the owner’s risk and cost, and no prior notice will be given.
Officials said the enforcement teams will conduct regular checks during night hours. The aim is to ensure compliance and prevent illegal parking.
However, certain vehicles will remain exempt from the rule. Emergency service vehicles such as ambulances, fire brigades, and police vehicles will not be affected. Vehicles that are specifically authorised by the municipal corporation will also be exempt as per the rules.
Civic officials have said that the new measure is part of broader efforts to maintain discipline in public parking spaces. They argue that some parking lots were being misused for long-term vehicle storage instead of short-term parking, leading to congestion and inconvenience during the day.
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The decision has received criticism from opposition parties and some residents. Vikrant A Tanwar, state media in-charge of the Aam Aadmi Party in Chandigarh, described the move as a harsh step taken without proper preparation.
He said the city is already facing a severe shortage of parking spaces, especially in residential areas, multi-storey buildings, and market zones. According to him, banning parking during late-night hours without providing alternative spaces will create trouble for common citizens.
Tanwar added that before implementing such a restriction, the municipal corporation should have first identified and officially notified alternative night parking zones. Without such arrangements, many residents may struggle to find safe places to park their vehicles.
Some residents have also expressed concern about the risk of vehicle damage or theft if they are forced to park in unregulated areas. They believe that proper planning and public consultation should have been carried out before announcing the ban.
On the other hand, some citizens support the move, saying that stricter rules are necessary to prevent encroachment of public land. They argue that open spaces, green belts, and road berms are often illegally used for parking, affecting the city’s cleanliness and greenery.
In a separate action showing its strict approach to civic issues, the municipal corporation recently fined a tailor for littering in a public place. The incident took place in the ecologically sensitive area of Patiala Ki Rao in Dhanas.
The tailor was fined ₹14,071 under the provisions of the Solid Waste Management Rules and the Municipal Corporation Act for illegally dumping waste. Officials said such actions send a strong message that violations of civic rules will not be tolerated.
The night parking ban and anti-littering action indicate that the municipal corporation is trying to enforce stricter discipline in the city. However, the success of these measures will depend on proper implementation and public cooperation.
Residents are now waiting to see whether the civic body will announce alternative night parking zones or revise the decision after feedback. For now, vehicle owners in Chandigarh will need to adjust their parking plans to comply with the new midnight to 6 am restriction.
The issue is likely to remain a topic of debate in the coming days, as both authorities and citizens try to balance regulation with convenience.
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