Srinagar, May 12: Hundreds of vehicles mostly driven by the tourists from all over India have to face inconvenience at the Boulevard as the Waqf Board owned parking lot has been shut for them while selected vehicles are being allowed to park for a monthly rental triggering resentment among the drivers who throng the Dal Lake.
 According to houseboat owners and hoteliers, the parking lot at the Boulevard which is being managed by the Waqf Board was opened for the tourists two years back but the board closed it for public for unknown reasons putting tourists in tight spot when it comes to keeping vehicles at safer places.
 “The tourists after arriving from far off places of the country are surprised to see hardly space for their vehicles at the Boulevard. The Waqf used to have the parking area for them some two years back but they did shut it down for their own vehicles while depriving tourists from availing the facility,” said Haji Muhammad Ramzan Bhat, a Shikarawala.
 According to Shikarawalas, some ‘blue-eyed’ persons are able to park their vehicles at the Waqf land.
 The parking lot’s major chunk is open while outside beelines of tourist vehicles find it difficult to occupy space at a time when traffic police tow away cars.
 “We don’t allow anyone to park vehicles here. This is meant for residents of the backyard,” said a guard on duty.
 Vice-Chairman Waqf Board M Y Qadri stated the parking is meant for residents of Buchwara only. “There were some issues earlier due to which we closed down the parking. Monthly charges have been fixed for them and all their vehicles are registered and photographed with us,” said Qadri.

Lastupdate on : Thu, 12 May 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Thu, 12 May 2011 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Fri, 13 May 2011 00:00:00 IST