New Delhi :Nearly 1300 offices, businesses and trading community located in city’s busiest commercial hub, Nehru Place, has decided to observe peaceful protest–‘Nehru Place Bachao’–on Wednesday February 1, 2012 to bring into focus deteriorating civic amenities.

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)