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Hindustan Times
21-05-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Fact check: Delhi's Sarojini Market is open! Not being demolished as per viral Insta reel that has left shoppers anxious
Delhi's iconic Sarojini Nagar market has been a shopping haven for bargain hunters of all age groups. It often trends on social media for varying reasons, but ever since it witnessed a demolition drive over the weekend, some viral reels on Insta are claiming that the market has been demolished. A social media user commented on one such Reel: 'No way Sarojini Market is being demolished. Where will I shop for my college wardrobe at such great prices now?' Another has written: 'Sarojini is the soul of Delhi's shopping world. I hope we aren't losing it in all this ruckus.' But, this worry must be put to rest because what's being projected in these reels is not completely true! The social media posts have caused a wave of anxiety among the regular shoppers and fans of this market, but the true story is that though there was a sudden demolition drive – reportedly conducted on Saturday midnight by the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) – the market is very much open, functional and not going to be moved anywhere! 'The market is open and welcoming shoppers as always. Please don't believe in the baseless rumours. This market has been the pride of Delhi for years and we're not going anywhere,' says Ashok Kalra, president, Sarojini Market Shopkeepers Association, adding, 'Unfortunately, the viral videos have caused us negative publicity and the footfall in the market has dropped.' A post shared by Delhi Wonders (@ Having seen the viral videos of bulldozers tearing through sections of the market, another shopkeeper quashes claims of the end of an era for one of the city's most beloved shopping destinations. 'What actually happened is that like any other day, we brought down the shutters of our shops on Saturday night and went home. Just a couple of hours later, humein bahut sare calls aane shuru ho gaye ki market mein kareeb 100 NDMC officials bulldozers leke aa gaye hain aur shops tod rahe hain,' recalls Ashok Randhawa, president, Sarojini Nagar Mini Market Traders Association, adding, 'It's true that before all this happened, we were the ones who had been urging the authorities to deal with illegal hawkers; who have encroached quite a lot of space in the market that becomes inconvenient for shoppers. But, instead of checking about the nuisance that these create, the authorities targeted the licensed shops during the Saturday's demolition drive. Phir bhi humein itna nuksan unke dukane todne se nahi hua jitna ab customers ke naa aane se ho raha hai.' Amid the shopkeepers' woes of low footfall, the Sarojini Market Shopkeepers Association issued a clarification and posted on X stating that the market is fully operational and not being shut down. Meanwhile, when HT City reached out to New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC), an official said: 'If established shops are extended beyond the allocated area and into pedestrian space then that is also encroachment. Our intention is only to enmake that the shoppers' access to the market is smooth.'
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Business Standard
21-05-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
Why demolition drive at Delhi's Sarojini Nagar market has sparked outcry
A late-night anti-encroachment drive in Delhi's bustling Sarojini Nagar Market on May 18 has triggered outrage among traders and shoppers alike. During the drive, the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) removed nearly 200 unauthorised stalls and shops from footpaths. The operation was aimed at clearing pedestrian pathways and reclaiming public space, according to NDMC officials. In a statement, the civic body said the drive targeted illegal extensions, including awnings, sheds, and makeshift stalls, that had long contributed to congestion in the area. Sarojini Nagar market: Budget friendly but congested Sarojini Nagar is one of Delhi's most iconic street markets known for its budget-friendly fashion. The market's popularity, particularly among students and middle-class shoppers, has kept it economically vital but physically congested. It has struggled with overcrowding and limited walkable space, making it a regular target for urban clean-up initiatives. However, the manner of the civic body's action has drawn sharp criticism. Traders claim legal structures damaged in Sarojini market Local traders said the drive went beyond unauthorised vendors, alleging that some authorised shops were also damaged. 'We found hoardings and parts of some licensed shops broken when we arrived,' Ashok Randhawa, president of the Sarojini Nagar Mini Traders Association, told news agency PTI. He added that many shopkeepers were caught unaware, as the demolition allegedly proceeded without formal notice or documentation. While the NDMC maintains that prior warnings were issued, vendors insist the action was sudden and poorly communicated. 'Even lawful extensions were taken down. There was no due process,' said another shopkeeper. Delhi Police, NDMC justify Sarojini market encroachment drive On Wednesday, the DCP of South West District confirmed the drive on social media platform X, saying, 'Joint Encroachment Removal Drive in Sarojini Nagar Market!! PS Sarojini Nagar, in coordination with @tweetndmc, cleared unauthorised encroachments to ensure smooth pedestrian movement and public convenience.' The post was accompanied by photos of police and municipal workers removing structures from the market. Joint Encroachment Removal Drive in Sarojini Nagar Market!! PS Sarojini Nagar, in coordination with @tweetndmc, cleared unauthorized encroachments to ensure smooth pedestrian movement and public convenience in Sarojini Nagar Market. @LtGovDelhi @CMODelhi @CPDelhi #DPUpdates — DCP South West District (@dcp_southwest) May 21, 2025 NDMC also wrote a post, stating, 'Clearing the Clutter for a Better Tomorrow! NDMC's Mega Encroachment Removal space for citizens!' ???? Clearing the Clutter for a Better Tomorrow! NDMC's Mega Encroachment Removal Drive in Sarojini Nagar Market (Cl. 11) clears unauthorised vendors, rings & encroachments — reclaiming space for citizens! Let's keep our markets open, safe & accessible! #NDMC #EncroachmentFree — New Delhi Municipal Council Official (@tweetndmc) May 20, 2025 Social media divided on Sarojini Market demolition drive Public response to the crackdown has been polarising. While some social media users cheered the action, calling it a step toward restoring order in one of Delhi's busiest markets, others accused the authorities of targeting the wrong parties. 'This is selective action at best. The real encroachments around the Sarojini Nagar Metro station remain untouched because money changes hands daily,' one user wrote on X. 'The downfall of Sarojini has been coming ever since they started building those malls nearby. We knew they'd eventually displace the street vendors,' said another. Others welcomed the drive, suggesting similar actions be taken in places like Karol Bagh and Lajpat Nagar. 'Sarojini is one of the best shopping spots for the middle class. Hopefully vendors can be better organised to ensure smoother shopping experiences,' one post read. Sarojini encroachment drive was only performative: Market association On May 20, the Sarojini Market Shopkeepers Association issued a statement , criticising the NDMC for what it called "performative action". 'Despite court orders, @tweetndmc is unable to remove encroachment on public land. Squatters continue to occupy footpaths and roads around the DMRC station. Only eyewash action is taking place in the daytime,' the association alleged. Following the encroachment drive, the association also announced that the market was still open and invited shoppers back to the area.
NDTV
21-05-2025
- Business
- NDTV
200 Shops Removed In Demolition Drive At Delhi's Popular Sarojini Market
New Delhi: In a mega anti-encroachment drive, around 200 shops removed from Delhi's Sarojini Nagar market. The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) and Delhi Police carried out the anti-encroachment drive on Saturday (May 17) night, around 11 pm, clearing "unauthorised vendors, rings and encroachments - reclaiming space for citizens." Ashok Randhawa, president of the Sarojini Nagar Mini Traders Association, said around 150 to 200 shops and stalls were removed from footpaths and market areas. Mr Randhawa also claimed that some authorised shops were damaged during the drive. "When we came to the market, we saw that hoardings and parts of some authorised shops were also broken," he said. The traders reportedly alleged that the Police carried out demolition till 1 am without any official order. In a video shared by the Deputy Commissioner of Police of South West District on X (formerly Twitter) dozens of police officials were seen clearing the market. Vendors walked out of the market area carrying tables on their heads. Many vendors also loaded their belongings into a tempo. "Unauthorised hawkers and obstruction affecting pedestrian movement were cleared effectively. Cleanliness and public convenience were prioritised to ensure a safe and accessible environment for visitors," said the Delhi Police. A joint encroachment removal drive was carried out by staff of PS Sarojini Nagar & @tweetndmc in Sarojini Nagar Market. Efforts focused on restoring pedestrian movement & cleanliness for a safer and accessible market environment. @LtGovDelhi @CMODelhi @CPDelhi #DPUpdates — DCP South West District (@dcp_southwest) May 20, 2025 The NDMC has been regularly conducting such drives to "clear the clutter for a better tomorrow." The idea behind anti-encroachment drives is to keep urban spaces free and ensure clear access to markets, footpaths, and other public spaces for the people. "Let's keep our markets open, safe and accessible," NDMC wrote while sharing pictures from yesterday's drive. 🚫 Clearing the Clutter for a Better Tomorrow! NDMC's Mega Encroachment Removal Drive in Sarojini Nagar Market (Cl. 11) clears unauthorised vendors, rings & encroachments — reclaiming space for citizens! Let's keep our markets open, safe & accessible! #NDMC #EncroachmentFree — New Delhi Municipal Council Official (@tweetndmc) May 20, 2025 Sarojini Nagar is famous for its budget-friendly fashion finds.
Time of India
18-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Late-night demolition drive in Sarojini market draws protests
New Delhi: A demolition drive was carried out late Saturday night at Sarojini Nagar market, sparking outrage among traders who claimed the action was sudden and retaliatory. According to traders, New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) began the operation after 11.30 pm, demolishing extended sheds, awnings, and shop banners without prior notice. Traders alleged that the action targeted those demanding the removal of illegal hawkers from the area. "We had already left for our homes. When informed, we rushed back. Officials couldn't show any order, and without listening to us, the demolition continued amid heavy police presence till 1 am," said Ashok Randhawa of the Mini Market Traders Association. "They demolished awnings used for shelter from rain and sunlight and banners in both the main and mini markets. Similar extensions exist in markets across Delhi, but we were targeted because we've been actively raising concerns about encroachments," he said. NDMC officials, however, maintained that traders had been repeatedly asked over the past two weeks to remove temporary horizontal extensions, including lintel chajjas, outside their shops. "These illegal extensions had reappeared despite previous removals. Similar actions have been taken in other markets too," an official said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch Bitcoin và Ethereum - Không cần ví! IC Markets BẮT ĐẦU NGAY Undo According to NDMC, several shopkeepers had used these extensions to store goods, restricting pedestrian movement. Officials also claimed that hawkers were using the space under these extensions, violating norms. Traders countered that instead of acting against unauthorised vendors, NDMC targeted shopkeepers who had moved the Delhi High Court seeking the removal of illegal hawkers. "The Sarojini Nagar Shopkeepers Association filed a writ petition, and the high court directed action against illegal vending. We're not against authorised vendors or those with legal protection, but others must be removed," said a shopkeeper. NDMC defended the drive, stating it was part of a broader initiative. "NDMC is consistently conducting anti-encroachment drives. Saturday's night-time action was part of an intensified enforcement campaign," the council said in a statement. Meanwhile, police denied allegations that some traders were injured. "NDMC held the drive. Our officers were only there to provide security. No violence was reported," said a police source.
Hindustan Times
10-05-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Delhi traders hope for normalcy, safety protocols stay on
As India and Pakistan agreed to an immediate ceasefire, traders and market associations across Delhi breathed a sigh of relief on Saturday, hoping that footfall—which had dropped sharply over the past few days—would return to normal. Market bodies said the security drills and protocols put in place over the last few days will not be rolled back, but rather refined to better prepare for emergencies. In Sarojini Nagar market, which typically sees over 50,000 shoppers daily, traders said the ceasefire announcement came as a much-needed reprieve after footfall halved over the past two to three days. To ensure safety, the market is now getting all firefighting equipment checked and restocked. 'All shops have been asked to ensure their fire extinguishers are filled and functional. Those who don't have them have been directed to get one immediately. We've also asked shops to keep corridors clear and remove any heavy items that block pathways,' said Ashok Randhawa, president of the Sarojini Nagar Mini Market Traders' Association. In Khan Market, the traders' association has launched a verification drive for all shop staff, with a temporary halt on hiring new employees without prior police clearance. 'It is definitely a relief that the situation has calmed down. We're conducting fresh police verification for existing staff and have asked shops not to hire new people for now,' said Sanjeev Mehra, president of the Khan Market Traders' Association. 'We've also requested the reinstatement of the old parking vendor, who was removed four months ago. He knew everyone in the market and can be a valuable resource for security.' Khan Market is also restoring its public address (PA) system, which had been taken down during the G20 summit two years ago due to exposed wiring. The association believes it will be crucial for emergency communication. In Connaught Place, traders held a meeting Saturday morning where they were urged to avoid panic and run operations as usual. Still, precautionary steps are being taken in case of any disruptions or blackout scenarios. 'During a blackout drill in CP, we noticed many shops had generators that switched on automatically. We've asked shopkeepers to keep these switched off at night and also spread the word to non-member shops. We've also requested the installation of a local siren, as the nearest one is at ITO and wasn't audible during Friday's drill,' said Atul Bhargava of the Connaught Place Traders' Association. Traders have also approached the police for help in removing encroachments around markets to improve accessibility and safety. At Nehru Place, a zero-tolerance policy is now being enforced against storage of materials in corridors or outside shops. 'We are clearing all obstructed pathways to ensure smooth evacuation and access if needed,' said Inder Kohli of the Nehru Place Traders' Association. In Chandni Chowk, wholesale traders had planned to shut shop by 6pm starting Saturday so that markets could clear out before dark in case of a blackout. However, following the ceasefire announcement, they have decided to stick to their regular closing time. 'Most wholesale shops close by 7pm, after which goods are transported. We had planned to wind up an hour early so everything could be cleared before nightfall. But now that a ceasefire has been announced, we'll continue with regular hours unless the situation changes again,' said Mukesh Sachdeva, president of the Delhi Hindustani Mercantile Association (DHMA).
