India Gate Says No to Snacks & Picnics: New Ban on Food, Pets & Flowers Leaves Visitors Heartbroken

• No lockers or storage facilities: Security staff refuse entry with personal items, but no lockers are available. Families are forced to leave one member outside to guard belongings

Why These Restrictions?

• Officials cite concerns over littering and damage to the new grass, lighting, and park infrastructure. Shared blankets and food were reportedly causing significant wear and tear .
• These steps follow the Central Vista Avenue redevelopment, aiming to preserve the grounds and enhance security

Visitor Reactions

Many Delhiites and tourists have expressed disappointment:
We came here with my friends and family…and there’s no locker facility. What are we supposed to do I returned to India Gate today after five years…I was enjoying ice‑cream…The police guys now don’t let families sit in the parks and have meals

From Reddit users: India gate has become un‑visitable…Its lawns were used to be nice place to picnic when I was kid. Now it is just another tourist destination

Impact on the Experience

• Families can no longer picnic or spend relaxed evenings on the lawns.
• Street food culture has diminished—vendors were previously common and beloved for snacks around the monument
• Pet owners and cyclists are upset; even small pets are barred from entry

What’s Still Allowed?

• Visitors can walk along the grounds, enjoy the architecture, take photos, and use benches under strict conditions.
• Designated vending zones exist along Central Vista for approved vendors and ice-cream stalls—though none on the lawns themselves
• Heightened security measures include CCTV monitoring and patrols

Outlook

Currently, no timeline has been announced for lifting the restrictions. Authorities seem to be prioritizing:

1. Preserving landscaping and park infrastructure
2. Maintaining high security around a high-profile site
3. Controlling crowd behavior and minimizing littering

However, many argue that without storage solutions or alternatives, the restrictions unfairly penalize families and casual visitors.