The new protest sites: Waste, booked grounds and fear of lost earnings

Three alternative protest sites in Delhi have emerged following the denotification of Jantar Mantar as a designated gathering place. These sites are CBD Ground, Burari Ground, and Ramlila Maidan. Each location presents its own set of challenges and concerns.

At CBD Ground, tall grass and bushes cover large portions, and waste accumulates along the edges. Preparations for Ramlila events are underway, which may limit the ground's availability for protests. The DDA, responsible for maintaining the ground, has not commented on the booking process.

Ramlila Maidan, located just 4 km from Jantar Mantar, is the closest alternative site to the iconic protest hub. It has a rich history of hosting major agitations, including movements against Indira Gandhi, Anna Hazare, the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), and farmers' protests. Local residents and shopkeepers are accustomed to protests, but the closure of roads during such events could disrupt daily life for those who rely on traffic for their livelihoods.

Burari Ground, situated around 14 km from Jantar Mantar, is the farthest of the three sites. Its large athletic track and numerous discarded items suggest that it has potential for hosting protests. However, locals fear that protests here could disrupt their daily routines. The ground's accessibility and proximity to residential areas may deter some protesters from traveling such a distance to participate in demonstrations.