Ahmedabad: The AMC has launched a tax-linked policy to clear the city’s congested streets, following high court directives to prevent roadside parking outside commercial complexes.The AMC has already sent notices to 200 major establishments — malls, multiplexes, and luxury hotels — with a straightforward offer. The corporation is offering a 100% property tax exemption on parking areas in exchange for opening private basement parking to the public.“The high court has ruled that vehicles parked on the road adjacent to commercial complexes are the responsibility of the premises holders,” a senior AMC official said.The official added that the mandate also extends to hospitals, private institutions, and religious places. The AMC’s estate and tax departments have issued joint notices, and properties must register their available slots on the ‘Ahmedapark’ app. Citizens can park free of charge in such slots.Compliance is not optional. Establishments have a 60-day window to enrol. “If they do not enrol in the app and open their spaces, we will begin charging tax on those parking areas,” another senior official warned.The rollout has run into a few issues, primarily from five-star hotels concerned about security and liability.One AMC official described the core objection. The official said, “The hotels are saying, if someone hides a bomb how are they responsible?”Beyond security considerations, owners worry about customer displacement — that opening basements to the general public could leave their own paying guests without parking during peak hours.Some luxury establishments have indicated they would rather absorb the additional tax, estimated at Rs 2 lakh to Rs 3 lakh, than compromise security or guest experience.To address the concerns of property owners, AMC officials are exploring more flexible models to open parking spaces.One proposal would let owners open only their excess capacity — roughly 20-30% of the total space — through the app, rather than their entire basements.BOXNeat slots for vehicles**Following the high court orders, the AMC holds commercial owners responsible for clearing roadside congestion caused by their visitors.**Owners get a 100% property tax waiver on parking floors if they offer “open to all” public parking**Integration with the ‘Ahmedapark’ app is mandatory to show real-time slot availability to the public**A 60-day deadline given; failure to open spaces will result in new taxes on previously exempt parking areas
