New Delhi: Traffic movement has resumed on Jantar Mantar Road in the national capital after nearly two decades. Delhi Police on Thursday completely removed the barricading in the area. The reopening of the road, which had been restricted for a long time, is expected to bring relief to local residents and motorists. People passing through the area will now be able to use the route as before.
Jantar Mantar Road has long been a key centre for sit-ins and protests by political and social organisations. Because of the movement of protesters and security arrangements, barricading and traffic restrictions were often imposed on this route. This caused inconvenience to residents, shopkeepers and pedestrians in nearby areas.
Delhi Police had issued an order on October 11 removing Jantar Mantar from the list of official protest sites. After this, the previous arrangement for allowing sit-ins and demonstrations there came to an end. Police have designated three alternative locations for holding protests. These include Ramlila Maidan in central Delhi, Burari Maidan in north Delhi and CBD Ground in east Delhi.
According to police, a committee constituted by the Ministry of Home Affairs had recommended designating alternative sites instead of retaining Jantar Mantar as a protest venue. The reasons cited included traffic management, crowd control, movement of emergency services and convenience of nearby residents.
Jantar Mantar has been an important centre of movements and public demonstrations in Delhi for decades. Several major protests, from Anna Hazare’s anti-corruption movement to the wrestlers’ sit-in, were held here. With the barricading now removed and the road reopened, normal traffic is expected to be restored in the area.
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