The Nagpur Municipal Corporation ( NMC ) has proposed mini market or shop concept with less parking facility. Though the plan aims to prevent encroachments, especially by hawkers, the concept may fuel traffic congestion in market areas. Mayor Pravin Datke has convened a meeting of the general body on June 20, which will discuss 14 policy decision and eight general body questions (GBQs), including the one about mini market/shops building concept. As per the proposal, building plan sanction will be given for commercial construction even in 300 sq m plot area for G+2 floor structure. Such structures will comprise shops with built-up area of only 11 sq m. Parking facility for such structures will be very less. Parking facility has to be provided for only one car, 10 two-wheelers and five bicycles. The same will be applicable for structures proposed in congested or non-congested areas. Other conditions also proposed in the concept include public toilets for men and women separately, along with proper management of garbage disposal. There should be a pathway of minimum 3 meter width. The structure will be permitted on roads with minimum width of nine meter in congested area and 12 meter in non-congested area. After general body's approval, the proposal will be submitted to the state government, followed by inviting suggestions and objections and then implementation. "Owners of daily need shops like vegetable or fruit vendors, general stores, saloons, beauty parlours, meat sellers etc run their establishments on roadsides or on footpaths. Their financial condition is very weak. The town planning department received many proposals for construction of structures looking like mini market. The sanction could not be given considering parking norms in the city's development control regulations (DCR). These shopkeepers cannot afford to leave space for parking facility as per norms. Therefore, the proposal will permit building plan sanction for mini market," the proposal said. RTI activist TH Naidu told TOI such type of relaxation in parking norms will miserably affect the city. "Already traffic congestion in all market areas is severe due to less provision of on-street and off-street parking. Citizens cannot find parking space to park their four-wheelers in market areas. Citizens in large numbers go to shop at vendors selling vegetables, fruits, meat or running saloon, general store etc. Provision for parking only one car and 10 two-wheelers will create chaos in the building and for other nearby buildings. It is surprising to see NMC reducing parking norms when there is urgent need to increase it in all areas. General body should not approve the proposal," he said. "Why not call for the opinion of traffic police and activists before going ahead with the concept," he asked. OTHER PROPOSALS * Change in dress colour for firemen to navy blue, and facility of raincoat, windcheater, leather shoes and peak cap * Motorcycle vehicle allowance of Rs900 per month for divisional fire station officer, assistant fire station officer and staffers of market department * Development of Poddareshwar Ram Mandir and Gorakshan Sabha into grade B and C pilgrimages respectively * Naming of eight roads in ward 40, 32, 53, 70, 40, 26 and 27 * Consent for suspension of four employees Khilawan Lanjewar, Bandu Sahasrabuddhe, Sanjay Kamble and Ejaj Ansari