Loading and unloading of goods in a limited span has become a vital concern for the traders amidst Chandni Chowk transformation plan of United Traffic and Transportation Infrastructure (Planning and Engineering ) Centre (UTTIPEC) which was recently inaugurated by Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia.
At times, when the traders claimed that Chandni Chowk is historical because of its business nature and the essence of Mughal era, the much hyped development plan is affecting the services to wholeseller and retailers as well.
However, it is pertinent to mention here, that in the 56th meeting of UTTIPEC, it was decided that no entry restrictions will be from 9 am to 9 pm.
According to the minutes of the meeting, “Some traders had requested for restrictions only during 11 am to 6 pm , however, it is submitted that in Delhi no entry timing for commercial vehicles are from morning 8 am to 11 am and evening 5 pm to 11 pm. Considering this and the
transportation time from Chandni Chowk to Delhi borders loading and unloading timings will have to be restricted accordingly.”
Meanwhile, traders, said that of course there is a need of beautification but it should not adversely affect the business activities, “The other hand new and better business opportunities should be developed. The traders of the area should be taken into confidence while formulating the plan. On the main road there are few hundreds of shops whereas in by lanes thousands of other shops are situated and under such circumstances how the customer will reach and how the loading & offloading will be done, needs to be thought of,” a traders’ body said.
Significantly, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) in its judgment in the matter of Vardhaman Kaushik vs Union of India and others and Sanjay Kulshrestha vs Union of India and others, said, “we also direct that in all markets particularly Lajpat Nagar, Karol Bagh, South Extension, Chandni Chowk and other densely polluted markets the loading and unloading would not be allowed from 11 am to 8 pm every day,” quoted NGT order on loading and unloading.
Taking care of the rights of traders , the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) has demanded that Delhi Chief Minister to stop the development work immediately and the Chief Minister himself convene a meeting of representative of Trade Associations of Chandni Chowk and arrive at a consensus development plan which may protect the centuries old business character and also beautify the Chandni Chowk.