After Jantar Mantar, Delhi’s new protest sites face access, infrastructure, visibility hurdles

After Jantar Mantar was de-notified as a protest site, three alternative venues - Ramlila Maidan in central Delhi, CBD Ground in east Delhi and Burari Ground in north Delhi - have emerged as possible options. However, a visit to the sites uncovers hurdles related to accessibility, infrastructure, and visibility.

Ramlila Maidan, located around 3-4 km from Jantar Mantar, is the closest of the three alternatives. It has a rich history of hosting political rallies and mass movements. However, its suitability for demonstrations could be limited by booking costs and a calendar crammed with other events. The cost to book the venue is around ₹50,000 a day, and a no-objection certificate from the Delhi Traffic Police is required.

The venue can accommodate approximately 50,000 people. Despite its central location, traffic management could be a challenge due to its proximity to residential neighborhoods and busy roads.

CBD Ground in Shahdara, situated approximately 13 km from Jantar Mantar, would move demonstrations to the eastern part of Delhi, away from the central political and administrative district. The ground spans around 12 acres, with one section capable of holding around 15,000 people. During The Hindu's visit, parts of the ground were occupied by Ramlila celebrations and a fair. The ground has tall grass, muddy patches, and scattered garbage, raising concerns about its readiness for public gatherings.

Burari Ground, located in north Delhi, is the largest of the three proposed sites. It is surrounded by residential colonies, markets, luxury hotels, and other commercial establishments, and is regularly used for community events and wedding functions. This could make its availability for demonstrations problematic. The size of the ground provides ample space, but the presence of various temporary uses could impact its suitability for large-scale protests.