Nehru Place shuts down to demand basic amenities

New Delhi -  Protesting against the civic apathy to end unregulated hawking, insufficient safety provisions and lack of basic amenities including cleanliness, Nehru Place, one of  Asia's leading IT products market, remained shut Wednesday.

"Fed up by the civic apathy to offering a clean, safe and regulated environment to conduct business, nearly 2,000 shops, retailers and offices shut down Nehru Place, Wednesday," said a statement issued by five merchant associations operating in the commercial centre.

"Nearly 12,500 people engaged in 1,283 businesses and offices in Nehru Place who have signed a plea to the Lt. Governor of Delhi to save this burgeoning business hub, stayed away from work and participated in the peaceful protest," it added.

Led by Nehru Place Improvement and Welfare Association (NIWA) president Anil K. Sehgal, the presidents of the four associations dealing with export fabrics, computer hardware, peripherals and media distribution made fervent pleas to the civic and administrative authorities to rise and help restore a safer, cleaner and regulated work environment.

Nehru Place was recently listed by the United States among 30 notorious markets that are reportedly engaged in piracy and counterfeiting, and deal in such goods and services. Illegal hawkers brazenly sell pirated games and music CDs in the market.

"While we respect the right of every citizen to earn a living, they must do so within the legal framework," the statement added.