New Delhi: Security has been strengthened around Connaught Place in New Delhi ahead of the proposed ‘Lehra Do Tiranga’ protest called by CJP activist Abhijeet Dipke at Central Park on Friday, October 16. Security personnel have been deployed in and around the area to maintain law and order as authorities prepare for the gathering.
The proposed protest has also prompted a traffic advisory for central Delhi. The Delhi Traffic Police has warned that movement on certain roads around Connaught Place could be affected from 3 PM onwards. Commuters have been advised to plan their journeys, allow additional travel time and use public transport wherever possible.
The developments come as restrictions remain in force in Connaught Place and surrounding areas, while Central Park has been closed to the public for two days.
Why Has Security Been Tightened Around Connaught Place?
The deployment comes ahead of the ‘Lehra Do Tiranga’ gathering planned by CJP activist Abhijeet Dipke at Central Park. Police personnel have been positioned in the area to manage the situation and prevent any law-and-order problems.
Delhi Police has said that a prohibitory order under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) is already in force in Connaught Place and nearby areas. The police have appealed to potential protesters not to violate the restrictions.
At the same time, the police indicated that they may consider arrangements for a select group of people to gather at a suitable location to carry the national flag and sing the national anthem.
Delhi Police has also assured the Delhi High Court that it would take all possible measures under the law to address concerns related to the proposed protest.
Delhi Traffic Advisory: Which Routes Could Be Affected?
The Delhi Traffic Police has cautioned that traffic movement on selected roads in and around Connaught Place may be disrupted from 3 PM on October 16.
In its advisory, the department asked commuters to plan their journeys in advance, allow sufficient time for travel and follow instructions issued by traffic personnel. Authorities may introduce diversions depending on the situation at the venue and surrounding roads.
People travelling through central Delhi during the afternoon and evening should check for updated traffic information before leaving. Using public transport, where practical, may help commuters avoid some of the congestion associated with the gathering.
The advisory does not necessarily mean that all roads around Connaught Place will remain closed. The extent of any disruption will depend on traffic-management arrangements and conditions on the ground.
Why Will Central Park Remain Closed For Two Days?
The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) has announced that Central Park in Connaught Place will remain closed to the public on October 16 and 17 for administrative reasons.
The closure coincides with the planned protest on Friday. Visitors intending to access the park over the two-day period should make alternative plans and follow any official announcements concerning its reopening.
The park’s closure, combined with the security deployment and potential traffic diversions, is likely to affect people visiting Connaught Place for work, shopping or other activities.
What Has Delhi Police Said About The Protest?
Delhi Police has urged people to comply with the prohibitory order in force in Connaught Place and its surrounding areas. It has also indicated that a limited gathering at a suitable location may be considered for those wishing to carry the national flag and sing the national anthem.
The police’s assurance to the Delhi High Court underscores that the authorities intend to address the matter within the framework of the law.
For residents and commuters, the immediate concerns are the security arrangements around Central Park, the possibility of traffic disruption from 3 PM and the temporary closure of the park. People travelling through the area are advised to monitor official Delhi Traffic Police updates and follow instructions from on-ground personnel.
