First night bazaar, now lights out?

Vidya Menon / TNN / Jan 22, 2006, 00:33 IST

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With MCD set to send its demolition squad to Hauz Khas, this posh south Delhi business hub is seething with anger.

NEW DELHI: With the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) all set to send its demolition squad to Hauz Khas
village, this posh south Delhi business hub is seething with anger and resentment.
"Demolition or development, what does this government want? Last year, they were talking about setting up night bazaars here to promote tourism. And now, they are threatening us with demolition.
It's ironic. This is a very old market and they can't move us out like this," said Pallavi Parashar of Opus, a boutique.

Agreed another resident, who runs a shop here: "We have been here for generations. Nobody talked about Lal Dora and law back then.
Why are they flaunting these legalities now? If you take its roti away, even your pet dog will bite. We are not going to tolerate this injustice. We will unite against the move."
The original plan for Lal Dora areas was that the city would grow around these urban villages, which would be purely residential areas and exempted from getting building plans sanctioned.

But recognising that this has led to widespread misuse over the years, the high court has ordered the demolition of all buildings that violate the building bylaws.
While many businessmen in the area chose not to comment on the impending demolition drive, some claimed they were not even aware of it.
Said Ramcharan, owner of Cotton Curio: "I came here from Jaipur only 15 days ago. I have no idea about the demolitions and nobody told me about it. I hope there is nothing illegal about this shop."
Vijay Singh of Pell-e-Ka also pleaded ignorance. "I came here only four or five months back. I am aware of MCD's demolition drive but had no idea that they have targeted us," he said. There were still others who were simply optimistic.
"I have heard about MCD's demolition plans here, but I am not worried. I am sure we will manage a way out
of the crisis," said an antique shop owner.
Some even blamed the media for creating a hype. "The MCD has not visited us, but the media already has. Why are you highlighting the issue," asked a boutique owner. "Nothing will happen here," she added.
That's a hope Jogeshwar, owner of a paan shop, is latching on to. "I set up this shack 15 years ago. If the government decides to demolish this, what can I do? I will be deprived of my livelihood," he said.

About the Author

Vidya Menon

A deskie, she finds copy errors particularly pesky. Hobbies include reading and making grand plans that are never executed. Hates physics, but loves metaphysics.

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