G20 summit, prompting the closure of markets, schools, and stringent security measures across the city. The official lockdown began at midnight on September 7 as leaders from around the world started arriving for this significant international gathering hosted by India.
Among the notable attendees are U.S. President Joe Biden, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, French President Emmanuel Macron, Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman, and Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, among others.
As the summit commenced, the heart of the usually bustling city, home to over 20 mn people, appeared deserted, with only a trickle of vehicles navigating the largely empty streets, while armed security personnel maintained a visible presence.
To ensure the safety of the event, nearly 130,000 police and paramilitary personnel have been deployed throughout the city, particularly concentrated in the New Delhi district, with aerial protection provided by the Indian Air Force. In preparation for the summit, authorities also removed slums near the venue, implemented measures to deter local monkeys, and cleared stray dogs from the vicinity.
Businesses in the capital's prime shopping districts, such as Connaught Place and Khan Market, remained closed, leading to an estimated loss of approximately 4 bn rupees ($48 mn) during the three-day closure.
Sanjeev Mehra, president of the Khan Market Traders Association, expressed the disappointment of business owners, stating;
"For G20 delegates, we were preparing mementos, but the government has asked us to shut down our shops. We have decided to concede to the government's request, but for a growing economy, it would have been nice to let business operations run normally."
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had previously appealed to Delhi residents to tolerate potential inconveniences resulting from the summit's restrictions. He acknowledged the city's significant role in hosting the G20, stating;
"When so many guests come from around the world, it does lead to some inconvenience... I seek forgiveness from Delhi citizens for the problem they are going to face."
Authorities have emphasized that the majority of the city remains open, with restrictions primarily concentrated in the New Delhi Municipal Corporation (NDMC) area. Schools, offices, small businesses, and shops have been instructed to close, and taxis and buses are prohibited in this part of the city. Even app-based taxi and food delivery services are suspended, except for those holding tickets to the railway station or airport.
In the older parts of the city, it remains unclear whether restrictions will be extended. Many shops in these areas were closed on September 8, raising concerns among local store owners.
Yashowarthan Aggarwal, a 37-year-old store owner in Dariba Kalan, known for its jewelry shops, pleaded for the authorities to allow businesses in the area to remain open, saying;
"The tourists coming to Delhi for G20 should look at our shops, buy something. If they just come and see everything is closed, there's nothing good about it."
Delhi Police have been actively communicating with the public through daily newspaper advertisements featuring traffic advisories and route maps, reiterating India's pride in hosting the 18th G-20 Summit. The ads also include a Sanskrit saying at the bottom: "Atithi Devo Bhava" or "The Guest is God."
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