JOIN USNDMC toys with 24x7 Dilli Haat idea
Dilli Haat, a popular shopping destination in south Delhi, is one of the options being considered by NDMC to be turned into a night bazaar soon.
The bazaar is located opposite INA market, is likely to woo tourists and local residents alike if it is open 24x7.
The underutilised Super Bazar building in Connaught Place is one of the high-rises, which could be the new address of another night bazaar.
The New Delhi Municipal Council’s (NDMC) efforts to make night bazaars a permanent feature of the Capital is being seen as a move to meet the international concept of shopping.
“Dilli Haat is a ready-made option. If it is open for tourists round-the-clock, it will join the likes of Mustafa Centre in Singapore,” said Jalaj Shrivastava, the Chairperson of NDMC.Mustafa Centre, one of the 24x7 shopping malls in Singapore, draws customers for its diverse range of items on sale.
The council is also keen to turn underutilised buildings in the NDMC area into multi-storey night bazaars. “If the need arises, the council plans to pull down the existing structure of an underutilised building and turn it into a high-rise. The multi-storey building will accommodate bazaars,” said a senior officer of the civic body.
Bhagat Singh Market near Gole Market is also on the NDMC’s list of proposed sites for a night bazaar, added the senior official.
Night bazaars are also likely to ensure that vendors are housed in these structures and there are no encroachments on pavements and streets. “The organised bazaars will give vendors a steady source of income besides helping keep the streets encroachment-free,” said Shrivastava.
The night bazaars are likely to have stalls of apparels, jewellery, furniture, souvenirs and food, among others. However, the council has to make elaborate security plans if night bazaars spring up in the city.
“We have to enhance security at marketplaces which will be open round-the-clock instead of closing down at 9 pm. If security guards are on their toes and there are enough CCTV cameras installed, we can avoid untoward incidents,” added Shrivastava.