Why Traders Are Rallying Against Ramlila Maidan as a Protest Venue in Delhi

Concerns Over Ramlila Maidan's Designation as a Protest Site

New Delhi: On Monday, various trade and transport organizations expressed their opposition to the designation of Ramlila Maidan as a protest location in Delhi. They highlighted concerns regarding its closeness to significant wholesale markets in Old Delhi, fearing it could disrupt the flow of goods and commercial activities.

The Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI) and the All India Motor and Goods Transport Association (AIMGTA) have both called on officials to remove Ramlila Maidan from the list of approved protest sites, as stated in their respective announcements.

Delhi Police Commissioner Anurag Kumar had issued a directive on October 11, identifying Ramlila Maidan, Burari Ground, and CBD Ground as new venues for protests and demonstrations.

Ramlila Maidan is situated approximately four kilometers from Jantar Mantar, while CBD Ground is about 12 to 13 kilometers away, and Burari Ground is nearly 21 kilometers distant.

The directive mentioned that the Union Ministry of Home Affairs had formed a committee to explore alternative locations for citizens to exercise their right to protest, replacing the previously designated site.

CTI expressed approval for the removal of Jantar Mantar as a protest venue but raised alarms about the potential negative impact of including Ramlila Maidan on businesses in various markets such as Sadar Bazar, Chandni Chowk, Chawri Bazar, and others.

CTI Chairman Brijesh Goyal noted that the organization had reached out to Prime Minister Narendra Modi last week, advocating for the removal of Jantar Mantar as a protest site, a move that was welcomed by traders in Delhi.

However, Goyal expressed concern regarding the addition of Ramlila Maidan, given its proximity to Delhi-6, a vital commercial area filled with wholesale markets and trading hubs.

Markets within a five-kilometer radius of Ramlila Maidan include Kamla Market, Chawri Bazar, Naya Bazar, and several others, according to the CTI's statement.

The organization warned that protests at Ramlila Maidan could lead to barricades, metro station closures, and traffic restrictions, which would hinder the movement of traders, customers, and goods, especially during the festive season.

In a separate communication, the All India Motor and Goods Transport Association (AIMGTA) also urged the Delhi Police commissioner to exclude Ramlila Maidan from the list of designated protest sites.

In their letter dated October 12, the association pointed out that Ramlila Maidan is surrounded by key wholesale markets and is conveniently located near the New Delhi Railway Station, with access to major roads.

They warned that large gatherings at this venue could lead to traffic jams, obstruct commercial activities, and pose law-and-order issues, particularly if protesters moved towards sensitive areas in New Delhi.

The association emphasized that wholesale markets rely on uninterrupted road access and timely deliveries, stating that traffic restrictions or delays could disrupt supply chains and increase transportation costs.

They also highlighted the necessity of truck and commercial vehicle movement for regular goods delivery and collection, noting that any disruption to access routes could impact loading and unloading operations.

While recognizing the right to peaceful protest, AIMGTA urged authorities to consider public safety, traffic management, and the economic significance of nearby commercial districts when designating protest venues.