The middle circle of Connaught Place, which had been dug up to lay a duct for accommodating cables of various types, is being filled up to provide a smooth, motorable surface for the Commonwealth Games 2010. But wary of the labour force returning and begin digging up the entire area again after the Games, the traders have
requested the New Delhi Municipal Council to restart the work only after Diwali. Meanwhile, even as the NDMC claimed that the work will be finished by August 30, the traders hope that it is not pushed beyond that.
New Delhi Traders’ Association president Atul Bhargava said, “The work on the third stretch between C and D blocks began in July. Only some basic work seems to have been finished as of now. We hope that it is completed on time so that we can get some respite.” He added that the vehicular movement and parking of vehicles on the stretches between the A and B blocks and M and N blocks has not yet been started. The metalled surface has, however, been restored.
Mr Bhargava added that the traders in Connaught Place have been taking beating for the past many years and particularly in the last couple of years. “Diwali is in early November. We have requested the NDMC to restart their work after the Games. We don’t want the traders to have a bad festival,” said Mr Bhargava.
NDMC spokesperson Anand Tiwari said the work of creating the basic structure underneath the roads of the middle circle has more or less been finished.
“The stretch between C and D blocks is being worked upon and the surface would be ready by August 30,” Mr Tiwari said.