‘Nehru Place Bachao’
The
call for peaceful protest is lead by Nehru Place Improvement and Welfare
Association (NIWA) and four associations dealing with Export Fabrics, Computer
Hardware, Peripherals and Media distribution. Nehru Place, located in South Delhi, is India’s biggest
computer hardware and peripherals distribution hub.
Nehru Place, designed to be one of
the modern complexes by Delhi Development Authority (DDA) in 1970s, has over
the years regressed into one of the filthiest markets in the national capital,
especially during rains.
Nearly
12500 people engaged in 1283 businesses and offices in Nehru Place have signed a plea to the Lt.
Governor of Delhi
to save this burgeoning business hub.
The
core committee of 5 associations will address a gathering of all occupants under
‘Nehru Place Bachao’ campaign on February 1 and seek their support to impress
upon the Civic authorities (including DDA and Police) to improve the civic
facilities due to the genuine occupants of shops and offices in Nehru Place. They
will also seek urgent solution to the problems in Nehru Place through intervention by the
Lt Governor of Delhi.
The
steering committee of 5 associations estimates that IT hub of Nehru Place alone
contributes to the government over Rs 1000 crore revenue annually by way of
duties and taxes.
‘No Hawking Zone’ becomes
biggest pain point
DDA
designated Nehru Place
as a ‘No Hawking Zone’. However, different Hon’ble Courts in Delhi in the past, allowed 114 hawkers to ply
their trade and directed DDA to allot alternate place to them. Since the orders
came into force, DDA has not allotted any alternate place to the 114 affected
hawkers.
Ironically,
the number of unregulated hawkers has since grown to over 500, becoming the biggest
challenge faced by business community running their businesses in Nehru Place. Presence
of over 500 hawkers obstructs movement of visitors and those employed in
establishments in Nehru Place.
Many
of these hawkers run food stalls that have no running water. The hygiene levels
of food sold by them are low. By using gas cylinders and kerosene stoves in the
main Plaza these vendors expose customers to fire hazards. It may be recalled
that only last month a case of LPG gas cylinder bursting in the main plaza creating
panic.
In
case of a fire or other mishaps, there is no clear passage for the fire tenders
and ambulances as vendors crowd the main plaza.
Among
the 30 top notorious markets in the World
A
bulk of the unregulated hawker community is made up of juvenile youth vending
illegal software and counterfeit ink cartridges. Juveniles are employed to hawk
illegal software all over Nehru
Place as it is difficult to punish them due to
their being under age.
Only
last month, Nehru Place
was listed among the 30 top notorious markets in the World selling pirated
software and counterfeit goods by the office of US Trade Representative.
Nehru Place today represents:
- Dilapidated floor and exterior of Nehru Place buildings.
- Poor cleaning and sanitation services leading to filth all round.
- Lack of proper urinals has converted to spaces next to Buildings into a public urinal.
- Absence of mechanisms to secure Nehru Place makes it potential target for terrorist attacks.
- Inadequate parking
The
five major associations that have given a call for Peaceful protest are:
.
Nehru Place
Improvement and Welfare Association (NIWA)
.
All Delhi
Computer Traders Association (ADCTA)
.
Export Fabric Suppliers Association (EFSA)
.
Computer Media Dealers’ Association (CMDA)
.
Progressive Channels Association of Information Technology (PCAIT)
For media queries, please
contact:
Anil
K Sehgal,
President,
Nehru Place Improvement and Welfare
Association (NIWA)
Ph:
9971763838
Email:
anilsehgaldelhi@gmail.com
Sanjiv
Kataria
Strategic
Communications and PR Counsel
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