Ramlila remains off limits

Behind the gates sealed and guarded by policemen,nearly 250 labours were busy dismantling the structure created for the Yoga shivir on Monday afternoon.

“The tent alone will take at least 8-10 days. We took 15 days to erect it. It’s such a huge area,” said a labourer toiling in the heat. “Tent,flooring,chairs etc are brought from Haridwar. Three sub-contractors in Delhi have provided around 25 labourers each to set and dismantle the structure.”

While certain material like lost bags,computers,TVs have been taken out and kept at Arya Anathalaya on Barakhamba Marg,most stuff is still lying at the Maidan. “Earlier,police had allowed us to take it back. But now they have prohibited us,saying it’s in their custody and decision about these will be taken later. We are waiting for their orders,” said Acharya Virendra Vikram of Bharat Swabhiman Trust.

The pandal and toilets are now serving the labourers. “We have found a temporary shelter. We can stay here without any hassle for at least 15 days. It would have been difficult for us to find a safe place like this,” said a labourer.

Labourers are also not allowed to go outside freely as Section 144 continue to be imposed in the area. “Only a few among us are allowed to go out to fetch edibles. We stay here through day and night,” said a labourer.