Shops in Connaught Place will remain closed on February 7 in protest against the New Delhi Municipal Council’s (NDMC) plan to make the Inner and Middle Circles’ of the popular shopping destination car-free soon.
Having failed to elicit any positive response from the NDMC top brass despite repeated representations against the vehicle ban plan, the New Delhi Traders’ Association (NDTA) held a Governing Body meeting on Friday to oppose the move and decide the future course of action.
The 250 NDTA members unanimously adopted a resolution to launch a peaceful protest on February 7 against the impractical idea of car bandi.
Talking to The Pioneer, Mohan Manish Aggarwal, former president, NDTA, said that all the shops would remain shut on February 7 as it is the question of their livelihood.
“We are unhappy with this plan of the NDMC. The traders are the major stakeholders in CP and the council has not given enough thought to this idea. Also, all our pleas and representations to the NDMC have fallen on deaf ears,” Aggarwal said.
“Our protest will be peaceful, we are happy as all traders are supporting us against this incongruous idea of the NDMC,” he added.
Atul Bhargava, president, NDTA, said the traders might go to court if their grievances were not addressed. “The old CP has a big relevance for us. It is the question of our livelihood. We will fight and definitely move court if they (NDMC) do not revoke this plan,” said Bhargava.
According to the NDTA, the NDMC has no valid reason for car bandi and the traders are wondering why the council is planning to impose the bizarre ban that will not only cause major inconvenience to the public but will also hit their businesses hard.
“Are they even aware what they are planning to implementIJ We are the major stakeholders yet our opinion was not sought while planning the move. Whatever suggestions we have give have not been considered by the council. This is complete monopoly and high-handedness,” said a NDTA member.
“Our question to the council is, are they able to control the beggars here who harass the shoppers and follow them till they cough up somethingIJ This absurd move will definitely kill our business,” said the member.
“We are very disciplined people, but if push comes to shove we will do whatever it takes to stop this absurd move,” he said.
“We will protest peacefully and will not precipitate the law and order situation. But right from the paanwala to the big showrooms, every shop will remain closed,” he said.
“We have been seeking the views of our customers about the NDMC’s vehicle-free plan and none of them are happy,” he added.
Atul Bhargava asserted, “As this mindless move will impact our businesses and our livelihood, we will fight in every possible way.”