Ever went to India Gate? 42 metre tall, the red stone War Memorial, over 70, 000 names of Indian Soilders inscribed on it who were killed during World War I.
Also present at India Gate is Amar Jawan Jyoti(Tomb of the Unknown Soldier)
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An empty canopy behind India Gate which earlier had statue of King George V.
About half a kilometre before, is the India Gate’s entry through barricades.
The moment you enter, the photographers start getting under your skin. One goes another comes, repeating same questions about getting your photo clicked.
You want to take a clear shot, NO. these guys are present in unoderly groups. They are taking someone’s picture, they want you to get away from there. No one but they have right to shoot the best angles. You don’t want to get into altercation because whole bunch of them is present and also, you don’t want to spoil your outing.
I have seen and heard these guys making mockery of tourists and local people. They use abusive language while talking or making fun of people.
These guys are present in about one kilometre radius, so you can’t escape them at all. Behind the scene are their accomplices sitting in groups in the lawns, to print out the photo. If anything goes wrong, they will also join in.
That’s not all, to add to your foiling, all kind of snacks are available very close to India Gate, some vendors stationary while others following you.
Oh! there’s room for more. some guys are selling toys. again behind you.
Still if you feel like a free man, there’s police vehicles moving around to get your attention.
I want to know, as a citizen of India, why can’t all these guys, barring police, stay behind one kilometre radius?
The photographers should sit in an organised manner behind a certain point. If someone needs a photographer, he should hire one from there itself.
Likewise, if someone wants to eat, he is welcome to do so by going to a certain point.
Why is Civil Agency spoiling country’s most important monument?
It shouldn’t be a picnic spot where you can litter within one kilometer radius.
Why can’t tourists from other countries talk good about visiting India Gate.
It’s not a commercial area where Civil Agencies should allow more and more business to operate so that it can generate revenue for their good being.
I believe Commonwealth Games approaching fast, the Civil Agencies should act fast to clear up this mess.
Or simply put the sign
- No Access to Public - for Security Reasons.
N.B. Anyone agreeing with me can write their reviews to Govt. Agencies, newspapers, blogs etc. to help save our beautiful monument.