CHANDIGARH, 28 AUGUST: Chandigarh Beopar Mandal and Market Associations of city welcomes promotion of electrical vehicle in the city but opposed installation of EV charging stations in the parking lots of congested city markets as it will further shrink parking space.
In a unanimous voice of dissent, President and Senior Office Bearers of more than 20 Market Associations who are part of Chandigarh Beopar Mandal have come together in office of the CBM to express their opposition against the installation of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in the already congested markets of Chandigarh but suggested to shift them to nearby spaces.
The traders argue that while they are supportive of sustainable initiatives like promoting electric vehicles, the decision to locate charging infrastructure in markets known for heavy foot traffic and limited space poses significant challenges. The congestion in these markets because of Vendor Zones, unauthorized Vendors and smart city Cycle Parking Stands is already a struggle for both business owners and customers, and the addition of charging stations could further exacerbate the situation
Charanjiv Singh, President, CBM said that the move to set up these charging stations in such bustling commercial areas has raised concerns among the trading community of city and suggested them to be installed in the vacant places adjoining to Petrol Pumps or Markets or outside Green Belts, Big Eating Joints out of Markets, Sector 42 Lake, Community Centers or inside Coal/Kerosene Depots.
Diwakar Sahoonja a former President and now Patron, CBM cum President, Sector 11 market and in fact who himself being co inventor of India ‘s First Electric car way back in 1980 being also a Limca Book of Records holder for India’s first hybrid electric car inventor taking electric car to 256 Km. in the year 1980 s, said that the dialogue between the traders’ bodies, local authorities, and relevant stakeholders should have been prior to taking any such decision and effort should be done even now to find a balanced solution that supports the growth of EV adoption while ensuring the vitality of the local economy.
Subash Narang, Sr. Vice President, CBM and President, Sector 22 stated, “We fully endorse the transition to eco-friendly transportation options, but the current approach of establishing charging stations in our markets seems ill-conceived. This move could lead to reduced parking space, traffic disruptions, and inconvenience for both shoppers and traders
Anil Vohra,former Patron cum President, Sector 44 said that traders are also concerned about potential disruptions to the normal flow of business operations during the installation process. Construction work for such charge station has already shrinked limited parking space in Sector 44 market he said
Parshotam Mahajan, Vice Chairman, CBM cum President, Sector 30 said that the construction and ongoing maintenance of charging stations could result in blocked entrances, limited accessibility to stores, and a general decline in business activity
Sanjeev Chadha, Gen. Secy., CBM, Kamaljit Singh Panchhi, Gen. Secy., CBM both from Sector 17 and Radhey Lal Bajaj, Finance Secy. CBM cum President, Sector 21 called for a reconsideration of the decision to place charging infrastructure in already congested markets. They propose alternative locations such as nearby parking lots, public spaces, or designated charging zones that would not impede the daily operations of local businesses
Other prominent senior CBM members namely Bhupinder Narad, Sec.15, Balwinder Singh, Sec.46, Rajan Mahajan, Sec.24, Vinod Joshi, Sec.21, Harjit Singh, Sec.34, Ramesh Ahuja and Sanjiv Grover, Sec.41, Mohit Sood, Sec.26, Manoj Bajaj, Sec.23, Praveen Kumar Vishu, Sec.22, Sanjoy Mehta, Sec.35-B, Pritpal Sodhi, Sec.40, Jagtar Singh, Sec.30 etc. echoed the sentiments as mentioned above. A delegation of CBM will soon meet Advisor and Mayor to explain Trader’s view point over the issue.