NEW DELHI: Trade and transport bodies on Monday opposed the designation of Ramlila Maidan as a protest venue in Delhi, citing its proximity to major wholesale markets in Old Delhi and the risk of disruption to the movement of goods and commercial activities.The Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI) and the All India Motor and Goods Transport Association (AIMGTA) have separately urged authorities to remove Ramlila Maidan from the list of designated protest sites.Delhi Police Commissioner Anurag Kumar issued a standing order on October 11, designating Ramlila Maidan, Burari Ground and CBD Ground as new venues for protests and demonstrations.Ramlila Maidan, in the central district, is around four kilometres from Jantar Mantar. CBD Ground in east Delhi is 12 to 13 kilometres away, while Burari Ground in north Delhi is nearly 21 kilometres away.The order stated that the Union Ministry of Home Affairs had constituted a committee to examine alternative venues where citizens could exercise their right to organise protests and demonstrations, replacing the existing designated site.In its statement, CTI welcomed the denotification of Jantar Mantar as a protest site but expressed concern over the inclusion of Ramlila Maidan, saying it could affect business in several markets, including Sadar Bazar, Chandni Chowk, Chawri Bazar, Khari Baoli, Bhagirath Place, Kashmere Gate, Paharganj and Daryaganj.CTI chairman Brijesh Goyal said the organisation had written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi last week, seeking the removal of Jantar Mantar as a protest site. He said Delhi’s traders had welcomed the government’s decision.However, Goyal said the inclusion of Ramlila Maidan among the new venues was a matter of concern because of its proximity to Delhi-6, a major commercial hub with several wholesale markets and trading centres.According to the CTI statement, markets within an approximately five-km radius of Ramlila Maidan include Kamla Market, Chawri Bazar, Naya Bazar, Sadar Bazar, Chandni Chowk, Khari Baoli, Lajpat Rai Market, Bhagirath Place, Kashmere Gate, Paharganj, Ajmeri Gate and Daryaganj.The organisation said protests at Ramlila Maidan could lead to barricading, metro station closures and traffic restrictions, affecting traders, customers and the movement of goods, particularly during the festive season.Separately, AIMGTA has written to the Delhi Police commissioner, seeking the exclusion of Ramlila Maidan from the designated protest venues.In its letter dated October 12, the association said Ramlila Maidan was surrounded by prominent wholesale markets and was located close to New Delhi Railway Station, with connectivity to major roads leading towards New Delhi.It said large gatherings at the venue could cause traffic congestion, obstruct commercial movement and create law-and-order challenges, particularly if protesters moved towards New Delhi or adjoining sensitive areas.The association said wholesale markets depended on smooth road connectivity and the timely movement of goods. Traffic restrictions, diversions or prolonged congestion could disrupt supply chains, delay consignments and increase transportation costs, it added.AIMGTA also said trucks and commercial vehicles were essential for the regular delivery and collection of
