Trade and transport bodies on Monday opposed the designation of Ramlila Maidan as a protest site in Delhi, citing its proximity to major wholesale markets in Old Delhi and the potential disruption to the movement of goods and commercial activities.
The Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI) and the All India Motor and Goods Transport Association (AIMGTA) have urged the authorities to exclude Ramlila Maidan from the list of designated protest venues, according to their separate statements.
Delhi Police Commissioner Anurag Kumar issued a standing order on October 11, designating Ramlila Maidan, Burari Ground and CBD Ground as the new sites for protests and demonstrations.
While Ramlila Maidan in the central district is around four kilometres from Jantar Mantar, the CBD Ground in the east is 12 to 13 kilometres away, and Burari Ground in the north district is nearly 21 kilometres away.
The order stated that the Union Ministry of Home Affairs had constituted a committee to examine alternative venues for citizens to exercise their right to organise protests and demonstrations in place of the existing designated site.
CTI flags impact on Old Delhi markets
In its statement, CTI welcomed the denotification of Jantar Mantar as a protest site, but said that the inclusion of Ramlila Maidan could adversely affect business in several markets, including Sadar Bazar, Chandni Chowk, Chawri Bazar, Khari Baoli, Bhagirath Place, Kashmere Gate, Paharganj and Daryaganj.
CTI Chairman Brijesh Goyal said the organisation had written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi last week, seeking the removal of Jantar Mantar as a protest site. He said the government’s decision had been welcomed by Delhi's traders.
However, Goyal said the inclusion of Ramlila Maidan, among the new venues, was a matter of concern, given its proximity to Delhi-6, a major commercial hub comprising wholesale markets and trading centres.
Markets within an approximately five-km radius of Ramlila Maidan include Kamla Market, Chawri Bazar, Naya Bazar, Sadar Bazar, Chandni Chowk, Khari Baoli, Lajpat Rai Market, Bhagirath Place, Kashmere Gate, Paharganj, Ajmeri Gate and Daryaganj, according to the CTI statement.
The organisation said protests at Ramlila Maidan could lead to barricading, metro station closures and traffic restrictions, affecting the movement of traders, customers and goods, particularly during the festive season.
Transport association warns of traffic disruption
Separately, the All India Motor and Goods Transport Association (AIMGTA) has written to the Delhi Police commissioner, seeking the exclusion of Ramlila Maidan from the designated protest venues.
In its letter dated October 12, the association said Ramlila Maidan is surrounded by prominent wholesale markets and located close to the New Delhi Railway Station, with connectivity to major roads leading towards New Delhi.
The association said large gatherings at the venue could cause traffic congestion, obstruct commercial movement and create law-and-order challenges, particularly if protesters moved towards New Delhi or adjoining sensitive areas.
It said wholesale markets depend on seamless road connectivity and the timely movement of goods, adding that traffic restrictions, diversions or prolonged congestion could disrupt supply chains, delay consignments and increase transportation costs.
AIMGTA seeks alternative venues on Delhi outskirts
The association also said the movement of trucks and commercial vehicles was essential for the regular delivery and collection of goods, and any impediment to access routes could affect loading and unloading operations and delivery schedules.
While acknowledging the right to peaceful protest, AIMGTA urged the authorities to consider public safety, traffic management and the economic importance of surrounding commercial districts while designating protest venues.
The association sought the removal of Ramlila Maidan from the list, suggesting that suitable alternative venues on the outskirts of Delhi be considered so that demonstrations could take place without disrupting wholesale markets and goods transportation.