Bengaluru Police Commissioner B Dayananda has ordered the closure of Phoenix Mall of Asia for the next 15 days, starting from December 31 to January 15. The directive comes in response to escalating traffic chaos in north Bengaluru attributed to the mall’s operations.
Police authorities expressed concerns over inadequate parking facilities at the mall, leading to severe traffic jams and public inconvenience. As the New Year and long weekends approach, authorities anticipated heightened congestion in the Hebbal area, already prone to traffic snarls on regular days.
Commissioner B Dayananda personally inspected the mall and identified it as a focal point for traffic issues. The mall, boasting 12 floors (including 2 basement levels) with a total area of 86421 square meters from the ground floor to the 3rd floor, offers only two basements for parking, accommodating 2324 cars and two-wheelers. To address this, police have mandated the provision of parking for a minimum of 10,000 cars and 10,000 two-wheelers.
Apart from parking concerns, the mall is also accused of causing noise pollution. High-volume exhaust sound speakers have prompted numerous complaints from residents, citing disturbances affecting their ability to sleep at night and students finding it difficult to study.
The Karnataka State Pollution Control Board has reportedly warned the mall multiple times about exceeding prescribed noise pollution limits. The order mandates the mall to cease activities contributing to noise pollution.
Phoenix Mall of Asia, which opened with great fanfare in late October, is regarded as one of the largest malls in the country. Its popularity has led to a surge in footfall, particularly from North Bengaluru residents. The recent long weekend exacerbated existing traffic issues, prompting questions from the public regarding the decision to allow the mall’s operation.
