Chandigarh 24th February -A delegation of the National Human Rights and Anti-Corruption Force (NHRACF), Chandigarh, met Sh. Pardeep Kumar, Officiating Commissioner, Municipal Corporation, Chandigarh and CEO Chandigarh Housing Board to raise key public concerns regarding the implementation of the EV Policy and issues affecting CHB residents. The delegation comprised Sh. Kamaljit Singh Panchhi (President), Sh. Anil Vohra (Chairman), Sh. Rajat Malhotra (General Secretary), and Sh. Rajan Mahajan (Vice President).
*EV Free Parking Issue*
The delegation highlighted that under the Chandigarh Electric Vehicle Policy 2022, free public parking for Electric Vehicles (EVs) was introduced as an incentive to promote clean and sustainable mobility, reportedly up to 31 March 2027. However, parking charges are presently being levied at Municipal Corporation parking lots. The members pointed out that this situation creates a policy–implementation gap, causes public confusion, and may discourage EV adoption. *They requested issuance of a clear clarification aligning Municipal parking regulations with the EV Policy provisions and permitting free parking for eligible EVs as per the policy intent* .
*CHB Residents’ Concerns*
The delegation also raised concerns about growing unrest among Chandigarh Housing Board (CHB) residents, alleging harassment due to fresh notices regarding compliance with interim orders passed in CWP 17382 and CWP 2309. The members urged the authorities to ensure that residents are not subjected to unnecessary hardship and that a fair, transparent, and uniform approach is adopted. The NHRACF assured full cooperation with the Administration in promoting transparency, environmental sustainability, and citizen-friendly governance.