Ramlilas to lose sheen due to Commonwealth security concerns

Security concerns during Commonwealth Games have led Delhi police to deny permission till next Thursday for installation of joyrides or carnivals at Ramlila sites, which are visited by thousands of people.

The decision was conveyed by joint commissioner of police (Northern Range) Karnal Singh at a meeting with a delegation of Ram Leela Maha Sangh in New Delhi.

"No permission for 'mela' (fair) or food stalls or joy rides will be given till October 14 when the Commonwealth Games concludes," Delhi police spokesperson Rajan Bhagat said.

However, organisers are permitted to cook food for volunteers or workers.

"Permission has been granted only for water stalls but not for sale of cold drinks," Bhagat said.

Installation of joy rides on grounds where Ramlilas are staged can be started from October 12 so that mechanical inspection and other formalities can be completed by Thursday.

However, Bhagat said, the joy rides can be operational on October 15.

"Ram Leela organisers have been requested to increase the number of volunteers for security purposes," Bhagat added.