Traders At Chandni Chowk Protest Wall Of Indifference

Time of India

2 days ago

New Delhi: A group of traders from Chandni Chowk organised a peaceful protest march on Monday, moving from Sunheri Masjid to Red Fort, expressing dissatisfaction over issues such as congestion, encroachments, poor law enforcement, inadequate maintenance, and unauthorised hawkers on the main road.
Tired of too many ads? go ad free now
Despite efforts to secure redevelopment funding for this historical marketplace, the substantial investments proved ineffective due to oversight and poor maintenance by authorities, claimed traders. This situation persists despite multiple Supreme Court and Delhi High Court rulings aimed at restoring Chandni Chowk's former grandeur through systemtic improvements.
The traders' association announced that they would continue their hour-long daily protests until Aug 14, criticising authorities and highlighting court orders.
"Our objective is to combat corruption and establish proper public order. Delhi Police and Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) are wishfully and wilfully not implementing several SC and HC's strict orders. The protests intend to 'name and shame' the administration for its failure to implement the rule of law in the area and for making a mockery of the court's directions," said Sanjay Bhargava, president of Chandni Chowk Vyapaar Mandal.
Traders referenced various judicial orders, including the HC directive from Nov 7, 2023, instructing agencies to maintain the area's redevelopment and beautification works. They also highlighted the HC's direction from Dec 20, 2023, mandating strict compliance with the Special Task Force's Dec 7, 2023 decisions concerning street vendor management. The last HC order from Nov 22, 2024, required MCD and Delhi Police to address deficiencies and illegal activities within two weeks.
Tired of too many ads? go ad free now
"The judiciary asked for submission of a status report within a fortnight. But except for Shahjahanabad Redevelopment Corporation, no other agency has submitted the status report so far. This is because they have done nothing," said Bhargava.
"The 1.3 km-stretch developed after spending Rs 140 crore is poorly maintained. It lacks basic sanitation, so the question of deep cleaning of stone work done in the market area doesn't arise," added Deepak Jain, secretary of the traders' association.
Traders pointed out the Supreme Court's 2007 ruling designated the area as a no hawking, no squatting zone and ordered the removal of illegal occupants. "MCD, which is responsible for sanitation, toilets, controlling loading and unloading in restricted hours, prevention of unauthorised construction on the main road, have totally ignored the directions of the courts. Similarly, Delhi Police and Delhi Traffic Police have ignored removing illegal hawkers or squatters," said Ajay Mittal, a trader and association member.
In response, Delhi Police and MCD told TOI, action is being taken on a regular basis.
Meanwhile, Praveen Shankar Kapoor, general secretary of the Chandni Chowk Nagrik Manch and spokesperson of Delhi BJP, said while there are problems that need to be addressed, the traders will not hold protests during the Independence Day Week. "From Aug 9 to 15, we will not take part in any protests or sit-ins," he said.