Will Delhi's iconic Meena Bazaar be relocated? Traders protest
What's the story
It was in 2004 when a petition was filed to revamp Jama Masjid and its surroundings.
The plan still remains stuck.
The latest hindrance is due to Delhi Government's failure to hold meetings with stakeholders to discuss the proposal, mainly the relocation of Meena Bazaar.
Almost everyone, including traders and Jama Masjid Shahi Imam Syed Ahmed Bukhari, has objected to the plan.
Details
Reaching consensus will take time, say officials
A senior Delhi Government official, who's in the know, said the central district administration, which covers Jama Masjid, Chandni Chowk, Daryaganj etc. has not convened a single meeting in the last four months.
Transfer of senior officials delayed meetings, one said, adding that since "all parties might be affected by the relocation of Meena Bazaar," reaching a consensus will take time.
Action
Last November, SRDC had submitted two revamp plans for feedback
It was reported last November that Shahjahanabad Redevelopment Corporation (SRDC), formed solely for revamping Old Delhi, had forwarded two plans to the School of Planning and Architecture (SPA) for feedback.
One plan was thought of by noted architect Pradeep Sachdeva and the other by SRDC, and had opposing points.
While Sachdeva's plan asked for shifting of Meena Bazaar, SRDC's design didn't have this feature.
Information
'Conduct impact assessment study covering running businesses, residents'
Due to this, SPA had asked authorities to hold meetings with all municipal bodies and major stakeholders to reach a common ground. It also suggested conducting an impact assessment study covering the businesses at Meena Bazaar and the people living in the mosque's vicinity.
Demands
'Delays will keep happening till SRDC converted to municipal agency'
Meanwhile, SRDC Board Director and Chandni Chowk MLA Alka Lamba demanded SRDC be changed to a municipal agency and given powers.
Till then, revamping Shahjahanabad will continue facing delays, she said.
"Unwanted people are stakeholders, who've nothing to do with the project. Unless SRDC is an independent civic body, no plan will be successful," said Lamba, also accusing central district officials of misleading HC.