FOR ALL the computer geeks, we have something important to inform you about – your favourite Nehru Place market will be closed down for two hours on coming Wednesday morning. A move that will create chaos at Delhi’s busiest commercial hubs, Nehru Place market would be clamped down in protest on February 1 for two hours between 10 and 12 noon.

Nehru Place Improvement and Welfare Association (NIWA) along with four other associations has decided to protest against DDA by closing down the businesses, blaming the agency that it has not paid any attention to their problems of poor sanitation and civic health. Anil Sehgal, President for (NIWA) while talking to Merinews said, “The DDA has not looked into the problems at all, as they are just collecting money from various vendors”.

Though the DDA officials have been in touch with various associations, but still they have not been able to come up with anything, when they sit to talk over the problems. Sehgal said, “During the meeting they always say that they will look into the matter. They promise to solve the problem. But, it is only a case of promises, as they never deliver”.

Hence, the associations have decided to go for such kind of strike, which would shut around 1283 shops and offices during the two-hour period. The association has also been raising major issues like parking space, as discussions for a multilevel parking were held but to no avail. Along with issues of cleanliness, it seems to be a huge drawback for one of the eventful commercial hub in the region. Many foreigners also visit the place to purchase various items but the place looks a dirty and a chaotic market area.

The number of unregulated hawkers in the area has also seen a steady rise, which is in excess of around 500. According to Sehgal, they have made the place dirty but there is no one to take action against them. Sehgal said, “The protests will have a great impact, so I am sure that the DDA will be pressurized to take up the matter and improve upon the prevailing conditions”.  Hence, there is a chance that the government might look into the matter.

“The condition at Nehru Place has is going from bad to worse,” said Sehgal, who seemed to be very disappointed, “They are not interested in the matter”, added Sehgal. “If the protests don’t turn out to be successful, we will plan for some more strikes in the future,” said Sehgal. But, he is optimistic that the protest would be successful.

Office of US Trade Representative had listed Nehru Place as one of the most notorious market in the world for selling pirated software. So, when Sehgal was inquired about the many illegal pirated software that are sold in the market he said, “The government is aware of it, but they have not taken any concrete step”.  He is ready to assist the government in this regard, if they want to act upon it.