Chandni Chowk trader groups launched a protest march on Monday from Sunheri Masjid to the Red Fort. They voiced concerns about squatters, unauthorized hawkers, and civic authorities ignoring their complaints.
The Chandni Chowk Sarv Vyapar Mandal is leading the protest. They accuse the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) and the government of ignoring Supreme Court and Delhi High Court orders. Instead of improving conditions, traders say encroachment and mismanagement have worsened.
Traders announced one-hour marches every day until August 14, just before Independence Day. Group president Sanjay Bhargava noted that dozens of court orders since 2001 on clearing footpaths, traffic restrictions, and area maintenance remain unenforced. He blamed both the police and the MCD for neglect.
Authorities spent heavily on redeveloping the main Chandni Chowk Avenue between 2019 and 2021. Yet, a recent check found the area still overcrowded with rickshaws, vendors, and illegally parked cars. Beautification plans have not improved sanitation or order.
Protesters carried Indian flags and black flags, the latter symbolizing their call to be free from corruption by August 14. Group secretary Ajay Kumar Mittal explained that marches will rotate to landmarks such as Town Hall and Fatehpuri Chowk. He added that protests will remain brief to avoid disturbing customers.
The movement has also gained political support. BJP spokesperson Praveen Shankar Kapoor said he approached Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and Mayor Raja Iqbal Singh for help. He confirmed no protests will occur during Independence Week to respect the holiday. MP Praveen Khandelwal will lead a Tiranga Yatra from the Red Fort to Fatehpuri Chowk on August 11 in solidarity with traders.
In conclusion, the Chandni Chowk trader protest reflects years of neglect in one of Delhi’s busiest markets. With court orders ignored and redevelopment failing, shopkeepers remain determined to continue marching until real changes happen. The MCD has not responded to questions about the protests.
