Crackdown on illegal parking in Nahan
In a determined move to restore order on city roads, the Sirmaur police have launched a crackdown on illegal parking in Nahan. The initiative comes amid rising concerns over traffic congestion and pedestrian inconvenience caused by vehicles parked indiscriminately in narrow lanes and along main roads. Officials have warned that vehicles found in ‘No Parking’ zones will be towed immediately, and owners will be penalised with fines and towing charges.
Sirmaur SP Nischint Singh Negi said unauthorised roadside parking has become a major hurdle in the town’s already congested road network. “Nahan is a town with compact infrastructure and limited road width. Illegally parked vehicles obstruct both pedestrian and vehicular movement, creating safety risks and severe inconvenience,” he noted. Specific instructions have been issued to the traffic police for vigilant enforcement in hotspots like the medical college and educational institutions.
The main circular road and its adjoining areas—including Delhi Gate, Gobindgarh Mohalla, Valmiki Nagar, Kaccha Tank, Rani Tal, Gunnu Ghat, Pakka Tank, Mall Road, Naya Bazaar, Chougan Ground, Kalistan Temple, and Nahan Foundry—have been identified as critical zones where illegal parking is prevalent. Additional problematic areas include Majdoor Chowk near Naya Bazaar, the PWD Rest House lane, the road near the District and Sessions Judge’s residence, and the vicinity of Indian Soapberry Tree (Ritthe ka Pedh) in Amarpur Mohalla.
To ease the parking situation, Nagar Parishad, Nahan, introduced new parking rates in April this year. Open parking is available at a rate of Rs 1,200 per month, while covered parking costs Rs 1,500 per month, inclusive of GST. Daily rates are also affordable, with Rs 20 for up to two hours, Rs 30 for six hours, Rs 50 for 12 hours, and Rs 80 for 24-hour parking. These paid parking facilities are being promoted as a convenient alternative for residents to avoid penalties and contribute to organised urban management.
However, the issue of parking space availability remains a pressing concern for local residents. Ravinder Singh Thakur, a resident living in a rented accommodation in Nahan, welcomed the police initiative but highlighted a gap in infrastructure. “We fully support the Sirmaur Police’s decision. Parking in no-parking zones is certainly wrong, but the reality is that there isn’t enough parking space provided by the Municipal Council or through private means. If people are forced to park 5–6 kilometers away from their homes, it becomes highly impractical,” he said. Thakur urged the administration to identify and develop more parking lots in residential localities so that people can park their vehicles near their homes and the Municipal Council can also generate additional revenue.
The police, in their public advisory, have requested citizens to cooperate and adopt responsible parking behaviour. The ongoing campaign is part of a broader plan for effective traffic regulation and improved civic discipline in Nahan, which is steadily transforming into an important urban centre in Sirmaur district. By combining enforcement with affordable parking solutions, the administration aims to balance lawfulness with accessibility.
The message from authorities is clear: while enforcement will be uncompromising, citizen feedback and practical solutions will also shape the future of urban traffic management in the town. With continued public cooperation and proactive planning, Nahan is poised to serve as a model for small-town governance in Himachal Pradesh.
Himachal Tribune