New Delhi (Aryavarth): In an unprecedented move, most of the entities, from government departments to private establishments in the NCT of Delhi, are slated to halt their operations from 08 to 10 September. A city known for its ceaseless heartbeat faces an eerie quiet. Commercial banks, financial institutions, and even local bazaars are mandated to down their shutters, leaving residents in a lurch.
As Section 144 CrPc comes into effect in anticipation of the G20 Summit in the heart of the capital, it is the common man who finds himself shouldering the brunt of the significant disruptions. While the city pulses with anticipation for the major global event, the comprehensive restrictions have introduced a series of inconveniences and losses, particularly for everyday commuters and travelers.
A striking feature of this anticipatory period is the chaos in the skies. With the government advising a reduction in airline frequency due to parking constraints at Delhi airport, over hundreds of commercial flights face rescheduling or outright cancellations. This upheaval is bound to throw a wrench in the plans of thousands, from businessmen on crucial trips to families embarking on long-awaited vacations. Commuters have to pay thousands to resched flught, why did the govt wake up so late, this could have been averted, if those were put as black out dates.
Commuters are shelling out hundreds to reschedule flights. Why was the government’s response so delayed? Had these dates been declared as blackout periods in advance, such inconvenience could have been easily avoided. The delayed response not only reflects apathy on the part of the ministry but also leaves consumers in a haze of uncertainty. One is compelled to question: Can the rights of the common man be sidelined in favor of global diplomatic endeavors?
On the ground, the intricate maze of restrictions issued by the Delhi Police presents its challenges. With a significant portion of the New Delhi district designated as a “Controlled Zone-I” from September 8-10 and limited access areas like “Controlled Zone-II” set up on major roads and junctions, daily commuters are left grappling with alternative routes and added travel hours. The result? Loss of productive hours, missed appointments, and heightened stress. Additionally, to prove their identity, bonafide residents, authorised vehicles and essential service providers will have to carry documents.
For those headed to the Delhi Airport between 8-10 September, they have a tall order. With the recommendation to factor in “sufficient time to commute,” travelers are bracing for extended waiting periods and snaking lines, not to mention the mental strain of possibly missing a flight. The silver lining, if one may call it that, is the Delhi Metro Airport Express Line (Orange Line) which offers a less congested route to the airport.
A walk through the city closer to event date, will reveal another shade of the G20-induced standstill. Commercial establishments, educational institutions, government departments, and even banks within the jurisdiction of the New Delhi Police District will remain shuttered. This means loss of business for local shopkeepers, breaks in the academic calendar, and an overall stalling of daily life. Though, Delhi Police confirmed that, all medical shops, grocery shops, milk booths, vegetable/fruit shops will remain open throughout the city. Media personnel, government employees, medical practitioners and para-medics will be allowed to use their private vehicles as well as government vehicles in the Controlled Zone.
Additionally, the restriction on three-seater auto rickshaws and taxis adds another layer of difficulty for residents and tourists alike. Those without private vehicles have fewer options, and the ones available might likely charge exorbitant rates given the increased demand.
Metro services, the lifeline for thousands in the capital, will mostly remain operational. However, certain stations like the Supreme Court Metro Station will not allow boarding or deboarding, introducing another obstacle in the path of daily commuters.
On the lodging front, with G20 delegates occupying major city hotels, other travelers and tourists find themselves scrambling for accommodations. As Pavan Kumar, director of sales and marketing at Pullman and Novotel New Delhi Aerocity, points out, there is “limited space available for non-G20 guests.” This naturally leads to spillover bookings and potential spikes in room tariffs.
In essence, while the G20 Summit is a matter of national pride and international collaboration, it also brings to light the staggering cost borne by the common man. Balancing national and international priorities with the daily needs of its residents remains an ongoing challenge for urban metropolises worldwide, and New Delhi is no exception.
The G20 Summit, a global symposium, brings to the fore a pressing question: Can international diplomacy harmonize with local life? As New Delhi steps onto the world stage, its residents hope that the cost they bear translates into global goodwill.
