The historic Ramlila Ground — known for hoisting Ramlila event and a number of major political rallies — may lose its identity as the cash- strapped North Corporation is all set to rent out the property for weddings and parties.
The Corporation has claimed that the move is taken in the line of Ajmal Khan park, and expected to yield revenue of ` 4 crore by renting out the ground but a section feared that the move will ruin uniqueness of the iconic ground.
Declaring move a political decision, a Corporation officials said that instead of revenue boost, the go ahead may have adverse impact on future.
“The North MCD charges Rs 50,000 each day for hosting one rally and in majority of cases, booking of ground takes place for four to five or even more days and then the charges multiply with each day resulting in manifold increase of revenue. Now, when marriages and parties are allowed to take place, the Corporation cannot charge above Rs 10,000 to 15,000 and hence, if the ground is booked for a single or even two marriage events then revenue will drop drastically and in that case there will be no surety that any political party will approach the authorities for rally fearing clash of events,” said an official on the condition of anonymity.
Pravesh Wahi, standing committee chairman to the north body earlier said that arrangements are being done to provide Ramlila ground and Mahila Haat for organizing social, family and cultural functions. “The purpose is to generate revenue and renting such spaces will generate annual revenue of Rs 6 crore for the corporation,” he said.
“The move would benefit the local residents specially those living around old Delhi area. Besides this the boundary wall of Mahila Haat will also be utilised for displaying advertisements for adding additional income,” said Wahi.
Opposition members of north Corporation, however, were differed over the issues and said that the decision may lead to a clash of events in future, especially if political rallies and weddings organise on the same day.
“It will take at least two days to prepare the venue for organising big rallies and two more days after for removing the tents,” said an opposition leader, north Corporation.