By Aakanksha Khajuria
New Delhi, Jul 25 (IANS): After over four months of lull due to the coronavirus-induced lockdown, the top three places frequented by retired government servants in the national capital - Delhi Gymkhana Club, India International Centre (IIC) and Delhi Golf Club - are gradually re-opening their doors to members.
They are regarded as places where statesmen, diplomats, policymakers, intellectuals, scientists, jurists, writers, artists and members of civil society meet to initiate exchange of new ideas and knowledge.
Delhi Gymkhana Club, one of the oldest clubs in the country, is set to make the dining area functional between 12.30 p.m. and 7 p.m. from July 27.
"Two dining rooms - the main dining room and the Kashmir lounge -- will be reopened, but limited types of food will be made available," Ajay Dua, ex-committee member of the club's governing body, told IANS. All health protocols, including social distancing norm, would be followed, he added.
Dua said the club had reopened tennis and squash courts for members in June. "These are open-air activities and the risk of infecting one another is much less. Players also maintain social distancing norms and wear masks to lower the risk," he said.
He, however, said the footfall was low and mostly youngsters were coming. Everyone has been directed to inform and book slots prior to coming.
"All this is happening with a limited staff. In the courts, there are no ball boys. Also, no tea or snacks are served at the courts," Dua said.
The IIC, considered one of the country's premier cultural institutions, has opened its doors to members for dining, lounging, using library and ordering food. "The bar, hostel block and annexe will, however, remain closed for visitors. We are maintaining all the guidelines issued by the government," said Director K.N. Shrivastava.
According to a notice on the IIC website, the dining area will remain open between 7.30 a.m, and 9.30 p.m, the lounge area and bakery outlet service from 10.30 a.m. to 8.30 p.m. and take-away service from 10.30 a.m. to 9 p.m.
At a time when people are sceptical about stepping out of their homes, the ICC has tapped into the digital medium to keep patrons engaged. It has showcased online exhibitions, webinars, documentaries, films, plays and lectures on the website.
Another IIC official Shakti Singh said, "People are coming, but the footfall is low due to the Covid-19 fear. We have reduced seating capacity, keeping in mind the social distancing norms. It has also affected the footfall."
Meanwhile, President of Delhi Golf Club, Major (retd) R.S. Bedi, said the health club, changing rooms or restaurant had not been reopened. Only the golf course had been reopened.
"We are providing only tea, coffee and water to golfers. As many as 150 golfers are coming to the club every day," he said.
Recently, Cricket legend Kapil Dev had joined ace golfers Shubhankar Sharma and Gaganjeet Bhullar at the Delhi Golf Club and raised Rs 50 lakh for Covid-19 relief.
Major Bedi said another event named 'Honouring the Covid warrior' would be launched in the coming days.