New Delhi, Dec 10 (KNN) The traders association, Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) has strongly objected development work of Chandni Chowk and demands immediate attention of Delhi Chief Minister to protect the centuries old business character.

The association said that the Delhi government is attempting to destabilise centuries old distributive character of Delhi Trade under the guise of beautification.

CAIT said “No established trade association of the Chandni Chowk has been taken in confidence prior to finalising the development plan.”

The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) while demanding immediate attention of Delhi Chief Minister has urged to stop the development work immediately and the Chief Minister himself convene a meeting of representative of Trade Associations of Chandni Chowk and arrive at a consensus development plan which may protect the centuries old business character and also beautify the Chandni Chowk.

Condemning the attitude of Delhi Government, CAIT said “In the development plan no thoughts were given for parking plan and loading and off-loading of goods.”

Admitting for the need of beautification of Chandni Chowk and development of basic infrastructure facilities, CAIT said “But it should not adversely affect the business activities whereas on the other hand new and better business opportunities should be developed.The traders of the area should be taken into confidence while formulating the plan.”

The association pointed that on Chandni Chowk main road there are few hundreds of shops whereas in by lanes thousands of other shops are situated and under such circumstances how the customer will reach and how the loading & offloading will be done, needs to be thought of.

Raising serious concerns, the assocaiation said “If the current development plan stands continued, the trade of Chandni Chowk will be highly disrupted and distorted and the revenue being earned by the government will also be badly affected.

Even the livelihood of thousands of labourers, daily wage earners will also be greatly affected, it added.