Changes at India Gate: Visitors Asked to Leave Bags and Snacks Behind

Image Source: Instagram

Delhi's symbol India Gate has experienced a sudden change in visitor policy, with new regulations prohibiting food, bags, pets, and sheets from the site. The action, taken to protect the monument's newly landscaped lawns, has effectively ended picnic culture at the site that traced its origins decades back.

What's New OffLimits

Food items, bags, bedclothes, and pets are no longer permitted to be carried by tourists within the India Gate complex
A prohibition of video recording is under consideration
There are no locker facilities, in contrast to other secured monuments such as Red Fort and Qutub Minar

Impact on Tourists

Families are being split, with some waiting outdoors guarding property while others wait inside the monument
Visitors from Banaras and Prayagraj were complaining about the lack of storage facility and disruption in group visits
Inadequate provision of basic amenities has led to widespread disillusion and calls for more participatory planning

Why the Crackdown?

Officials cite the destruction of recently seeded grass and landscaped ground by food spills and sheet spreads
The prohibitions are a general attempt to beautify the monument and protect it from excessive use and wear and tear
Authorities are reportedly considering locker installations to provide relief to visitors

Looking Ahead

India Gate is still open to the public, but the atmosphere is not relaxed anymore and is formalized
The new rules herald the trend towards responsible tourism, where preservation is prioritized over recreation

Sources: Moneycontrol, CNBC TV18, Free Press Journal, News18, The Daily Jagran.