Chandni Chowk Traders Protest for Their Rights
On Monday, Chandni Chowk trader groups started a protest march, moving from Sunheri Masjid to the Red Fort. Their main issues are encroachment by squatters and unauthorized hawkers. They also feel that local civic authorities are ignoring their complaints.
The Chandni Chowk Sarv Vyapar Mandal leads this protest. They claim that the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) and the government are not following important court orders. These orders, from the Supreme Court and Delhi High Court, were supposed to help the traders. Instead, the situation has gotten worse.
Daily Marches Until Change Happens
The traders have decided to hold one-hour marches every day until August 14. This date is significant because it leads up to Independence Day. Sanjay Bhargava, the president of the traders’ group, said, “A number of court orders have been passed since 2001 – on clearing footpath encroachments, maintaining the area, restricting non-motorised and motorised traffic at specific hours – but none of them has been implemented.”
According to Bhargava, the police and MCD are responsible for keeping the area clean and stopping illegal activity. However, he claims, “But all of these directions are being ignored.”
History of Court Orders and Civic Projects
Since 2001, multiple court orders have called for clearing footpath encroachments and enforcing traffic rules. Unfortunately, these orders have mostly been ignored by local authorities.
From 2019 to 2021, there was a redevelopment project on the main Chandni Chowk Avenue. This project aimed to beautify the area between the Red Fort and Fatehpuri Mosque. However, a check last month showed the area is still dirty and overcrowded. Rickshaws and vendors are everywhere, and cars are parked despite restrictions.
Protest Symbols and Actions
Dressed in Indian flags, the protesters also carry black flags. The black flags represent their call to be free from corruption by August 14. Ajay Kumar Mittal, the group’s secretary, stated, “We are marching with Indian flags and black flags.”
They plan to march from their shops to various locations each day. “On Tuesday, we will march to the Town Hall from my shop. The next day, we will head to Fatehpuri Chowk for a sit-in,” said Bhargava. He added, “Each protest will last only an hour. We’re doing this for the customers, and do not want to disturb the area’s peace.”
Support from Political Leaders
Praveen Shankar Kapoor, a spokesperson for the Bharatiya Janata Party in Delhi, is also involved. He has reached out to Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and Mayor Raja Iqbal Singh for help with the situation. Kapoor noted, “From August 9 to 15, during Independence Day week, we will not hold any protests, sit-ins or symbolic Gandhigiri demonstrations.” He stressed the importance of respecting national holidays.
Chandni Chowk MP Praveen Khandelwal plans to lead a parade called the Tiranga Yatra from the Red Fort to Fatehpuri Chowk on August 11. This event will show solidarity with the traders during a crucial time.
Conclusion: A Call for Action
The Chandni Chowk Trader protest highlights ongoing neglect in this busy shopping area. Despite years of court orders and a redevelopment project, the issues remain unaddressed. Traders are united in their demand for better conditions. Their daily marches will continue until there are real changes. Only time will tell if their actions will lead to a better future for Chandni Chowk.
The MCD has not responded to inquiries about the protests.
