New Delhi: In Oct 2017, when National Green Tribunal (NGT) banned protests at Jantar Mantar, it suggested the nearly 12-acre Ramlila Maidan as an alternative venue for sit-ins. Apart from a booking fee of Rs 1,21,080 per day, including a security deposit of Rs 55,000, the ground was considered far from Parliament, the proximity to which had made Jantar Mantar a preferred location for protesters. The idea, however, never caught on.
With the ground capable of accommodating more than 50,000 people, these groups have sometimes felt lost and shifted to locations, such as Shahidi Park near ITO, Rajghat and even Parliament Street.
At Jantar Mantar, protesters needed only police permission, without a comparable ground-booking fee, according to officials, as it is not a park or an open space. At Burari, the ground is used for religious events for long durations,” an official said. Paramjeet Singh Pamma, president of Sadar Bazar Bari Market Traders Association, said Sadar Bazar, Chandni Chowk, Azad Market, Khari Baoli and Fatehpuri are among Delhi’s major commercial centres, attracting thousands of traders, customers and goods carriers every day. It will also add pressure on routes leading to New Delhi Railway Station, Old Delhi Railway Station and major bus terminals in the vicinity,” he said. All India Motor and Goods Transport Association president Rajendra Kapoor said restrictions on access routes during demonstrations at Ramlila Maidan could disrupt the movement of trucks and commercial vehicles, affect loading and unloading operations and delay deliveries.
“CBD Ground is booked for months in advance as it is leased out to event management companies. Protests can only be held if there is no other booking. Ramlila Maidan has its own limitations: It lacks shade and public toilets. Its vast expanse has also proved to be a deterrent for smaller protest groups. These markets, along with New Delhi Railway Station, are connected to routes around Ramlila Maidan. “Large demonstrations here could lead to congestion. The transport sector is also worried.