Comparing Delhi’s three new protest sites: Scale and location

The three new sites designated for holding protests vary considerably in size and location, with Burari Ground offering much more space in North Delhi, while the CBD Ground is situated in a busy commercial area in East Delhi. 

The three new sites that were designated for protest are CBD Ground, Ramlila Ground, and Burari Ground. 

The CBD Ground, situated in a busy commercial area in Shahdara, is maintained by the Delhi Development Authority (DDA). Spread over 12 acres, it adjoins Vikas Marg, a vital arterial road in East Delhi that connects the Trans-Yamuna region to Central Delhi via ITO Bridge. The ground regularly hosts cultural events. However, its location in a densely developed commercial and residential neighbourhood has raised concerns about the potential impact of protests on nearby communities and businesses.

“There are commercial areas and residential spots around the CBD ground, two malls, a five-star hotel, and several banquets lined up inside the ground. In case protests are held here, there could be an impact on the colonies nearby; it could be a law-and-order problem in the area,” BS Vohra, president of Federation of East Delhi Residents’ Welfare Associations, said.

In North-West Delhi, the Burari Ground, popularly known as Nirankari ground, is the largest of the three designated sites. Spread over 50 acres, it is bounded by Dr KB Hegdewar Marg to the south/southwest and Shah Alam Band Marg to the north/northeast. It frequently hosts cultural events and political programmes.

In March, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed a large gathering on the ground after inaugurating and laying the foundation stone for three new corridors under Delhi Metro’s Phase V-A expansion and other development projects.

The Ramlila Maidan in central Delhi spans over 12 acres and is four kilometres from Jantar Mantar. Over the decades, Ramlila Maidan has emerged as an important venue for the country’s political history.