New Delhi G20 Summit: Online Food Orders Restricted Sept 8-10
The G20 Summit, a major international event that brings together the leaders of the world’s 20 largest economies, is scheduled to take place in New Delhi on September 9-10, 2023. The summit will be held at the Bharat Mandapam convention centre, formerly known as Pragati Maidan, and some other key locations in the city. The summit is expected to discuss various global issues, such as economic recovery, climate change, health, trade, and development.
However, the summit will also have a significant impact on the daily lives of the residents of New Delhi, as the authorities have imposed several restrictions and security measures to ensure the smooth conduct of the event. One of these restrictions is that all online food delivery services, except for medicines, will be barred in the New Delhi district from September 8 to 10 .
Why online food orders are restricted
The reason behind the restriction on online food orders is to prevent any potential security threats or disruptions during the summit. According to the Delhi Police, online food delivery services pose a risk of infiltration by anti-social elements or terrorists who may use them to carry out attacks or sabotage. Moreover, online food delivery vehicles may also cause traffic congestion or obstruction in the areas where the summit venues are located or where the VIP movements are expected.
Therefore, the Delhi Police have decided to ban all online delivery services, including cloud kitchens, restaurants, and commercial deliveries from platforms like Amazon or Flipkart, in the New Delhi district during the summit days. However, essential services like postal and medical services, sample collections by path labs, and medicine deliveries will be allowed throughout Delhi.
How to cope with the restriction
The restriction on online food orders may cause inconvenience to many people who rely on them for their meals or groceries. However, there are some ways to cope with the situation and avoid any hassle. Some of them are:
- Stock up on essentials: Before the summit begins, you can stock up on essential items like food, water, medicines, and other supplies that you may need during the restriction period. You can either buy them from local shops or order them online before September 8. This way, you can avoid going out or ordering online during the summit days.
- Cook at home: Another option is to cook your own food at home during the restriction period. You can use the ingredients that you have stocked up or buy fresh ones from nearby markets. Cooking at home can also help you save money and eat healthier.
- Eat out: If you don’t want to cook at home or don’t have enough supplies, you can also eat out at restaurants or cafes that are open and accessible during the summit days. However, you should avoid going to places that are near the summit venues or in areas where traffic restrictions are imposed. You should also follow the Covid-19 protocols and maintain social distancing while eating out.
- Use alternative delivery services: If you really need to order something online during the restriction period, you can try using alternative delivery services that are not affected by the ban. For example, you can use Dunzo or Swiggy Genie to get items delivered from local shops or vendors. You can also use Rapido or Uber Moto to get items delivered by bike riders. However, these services may charge higher fees or have limited availability during the summit days.
Other restrictions and advisories
Apart from online food orders, there are other restrictions and advisories that have been issued by the authorities for the summit days. Some of them are:
- Traffic restrictions: There will be traffic restrictions in various parts of Delhi during the summit days, especially on routes leading to and from the summit venues and hotels where the delegates will stay. The entry of vehicles into Delhi from Gurugram will also be restricted from midnight on September 7 until midnight on September 10. The Delhi Police have advised people to avoid unnecessary travel and use public transport or carpooling if possible. They have also requested people to follow their social media handles for regular updates on traffic diversions and advisories.
- Metro services: The metro services in Delhi will not be affected by the summit, except for some temporary closures of gates at some stations due to VIP movements. However, one station – Supreme Court (formerly Pragati Maidan) – will remain closed for public entry and exit during the summit days. The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has advised commuters to plan their journeys accordingly and cooperate with the security personnel.
- Hotel bookings: People who have booked hotels in Delhi during the summit days will be allowed entry with valid air or railway tickets and booking documents. However, they may face some delays due to security checks at some points. The Delhi Police have requested hotel guests to cooperate with the security arrangements and follow the Covid-19 guidelines.
- Public holiday: The Delhi government has declared a public holiday in the national capital from September 8 to September 10 in view of the summit. The government has also directed owners of shops, businesses, and commercial establishments in the city to provide paid holidays to their employees and workers on these days.
The G20 Summit is a prestigious event that will showcase India’s role and leadership in the global arena. However, it will also entail some inconveniences and challenges for the people of New Delhi, especially in terms of online food orders and other restrictions. Therefore, it is advisable to be prepared and aware of the situation and follow the guidelines and advisories issued by the authorities. By doing so, we can ensure the smooth and successful conduct of the summit and also enjoy its benefits.
