Local tourism at India Gate takes a hit
Redesigning works on Rajpath road to India Gate as part of Central Vista project put tourist spot in restricted zone
image for illustrative purpose
The revival plan of the Rajpath road is in focus as the Central Vista project is on full-swing for close to a year. With redesigning of the road to India Gate, much of local tourism has been lost due to the same.
BizzBuzz spoke with the local vendors, photographers to know the business activities and local tourists 'crowding' the leftover space which is still accessible to the general public. 43-year-old Radhey Kumar, a photographer for over 10 years, has been capturing smiling faces at this popular tourist spot with families posing infront of the India Gate.
As of 2021, Radhey says that past 17 months has rendered him penniless with limited opportunities available for a tourist photographer at Rajpath. Similar is the story of Manu, a native of Ghaziabad, who would sell street food in the area, but now is preparing to go back to his hometown.
"Before Covid, lakhs of people would drive up to India Gate. This place always had something to offer to new tourist and local residents. Our daily business would start from 11 am and would go till late night. When the lockdown restrictions were lifted and we came back to resume our work from here, the construction work had begun," he said.
Local vendors complained that the left-over scope of tourists visiting India Gate has also minimized because of the excessive construction dust.
Geeta Sharma, 45-year-old housemaker, says that having fond memories of spending idle time at India Gate is what brought her and her family back to this place, but much has changed because of the 'redesigning' of the area.
"I have never seen this place with so few tourists. It is difficult to stand here and enjoy an evening because of dug up road, dust and sand. This used to be one of our frequently visiting spots, even during weekdays," Geeta expressed her disappointment.
According to the local vendors, the hardest hit professions have been street food vendors, photographers, toy sellers and local artisans. With no alternative source of income, these local vendors are seeking new spot to continue with their business in the capital itself.
