Curbs kick in, New Delhi deserted

On Friday, Lutyens' Delhi had more security personnel than civilians, guarding desolate, barricaded arterial roads and shut shops, as the central region was blanketed with stringent curbs in bolstered security measures a day before the main gathering of G20 leaders.

- Paras Singh

Though shops catering to essential services, including pharmacies and dairy outlets, were allowed to open, most of them were found with their shutters down, residents said.

The traders and operators of these shops said that all the approach routes they are acquainted with were closed with heavy security deployment, forcing them to halt operations.

During a spot check, HT found 0 that deserted corridors of Connaught Place were largely occupied by few security guards and pigeons.

Atul Bhargava, who heads the New Delhi Traders' Association, said opening a few essential shops would have been futile when the entire area is shut. "It is not practical at all. The market is 100% closed. Who would want to face constant harassment while there is no business? It would be wastage of time with more expenses."