Food-o-nomics behind Jantar Mantar protests
The protesters hardly contributed to one’s business. In fact, they brought in more trouble. Due to them routes were blocked MANI, WORKER AT A SOUTH INDIAN FOOD STALL
There were days when not a single customer would come and visit us because of all the unwanted protests RAKESH, WORKER AT BABA KA DHABA
he recent order by National Green Tribunal to stop all protests, public gatherings and the use of loudspeakers at Jantar Mantar may have proved to be tough decision for the protestors but for the owners and workers of the food outlets in the area, it’s time to rejoice.
“The decision will not just bring down the noise pollution but will also help us regain our business,” says Mani, one of the workers at the renowned South-Indian food outlet at Jantar Mantar — a well-known shop that came into existence in 1987.
But don’t all the protests and protesters add to their sales? “Absoultely not,” rues Mani, adding, “The protesters hardly contributed to one’s business. In fact, they brought more trouble. Due to them, routes were often diverted and there were blockages on the roads, which lead to a number of problems for our regular customers who like to come and eat here. Once the decision will be implemented, we are hopeful that our business will be back on track.”
Other shopkeepers in the area share similar sentiments. A worker at Baba ka Dhaba, a food outlet popular for rajma-chawal, Rakesh (name changed) says, “There were days when not a single customer would come and visit us because of all the unwanted protests. I believe, not just a few but many in the crowd of thousands used to be unaware of the cause of gathering. They were here just for the sake of it. The crowd left the place dirty, adding more chaos to our problems. Unki vajah se kabhi kabhi ek paisa ka kaam bhi nahi hota tha!”
However, it’s also believed that the number of protesters will also reduce once the location will be changed to Ramlila Maidan (ground). “The protesters could manage to stay here for long days because of the shade and the nearby Gurudwara. They would have their food in Gurudwara and therefore it was manageable for them. Once the location changes, it would not be easy to stage a protest for long,” says Ramdas, a local tea vendor.