Why Three Major Premium Malls In South Delhi Are On The Brink Of Closure | Ground Report

Shoppers are facing significant difficulties, which are further exacerbated during the festive season. (Local18)

In an unprecedented development, three major shopping malls in Vasant Kunj, South Delhi, are on the brink of closure due to a severe water shortage. This area, popular among celebrities and foreigners for shopping and sightseeing, could see DLF Promenade, DLF Emporio, and Ambience Mall shutting their doors before Diwali.

If the government and Water Board fail to supply water within the next two to three days, these malls may be forced to close, impacting businesses worth crores and putting thousands of jobs at risk.

The shortage has had a cascading effect: toilets are clogged, 70% of restrooms are closed, and restaurants struggle to wash dishes or serve water to customers. Shoppers are facing significant difficulties, which are further exacerbated during the festive season.

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Arvind Kapoor, president of the Mall and Shopping Complex Association, highlighted the gravity of the situation. He noted that the area, developed in 2008, has always struggled with water issues. Despite being a major shopping hub, the Delhi Jal Board has never provided a consistent water supply.

The malls previously relied on private tankers, but a recent government ban on tanker water has left them in a dire situation.

“We are not receiving water from the Jal Board, making it extremely difficult to operate the shopping complex and its three major malls. If the supply is not restored soon, all operations may come to a halt,” Kapoor said.

He said that discussions with the government are ongoing, the Jal Board has been contacted, and official emails have been sent. He expressed hope that the authorities will take prompt action.

The water shortage is not just affecting the malls; a nearby private premium hotel, as well as the headquarters of major companies such as Airtel, Maruti Suzuki, and ONGC, are also grappling with this issue.

The entire business is worth crores of rupees, and the water shortage is affecting all operations. The management remains in constant contact with the government and relevant authorities.

What’s Causing The Water Shortage In Vasant Kunj?

Vasant Kunj in Delhi is a highly upscale neighborhood developed in 2008 under then-Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit. Since its development, no official water connection has been provided. The mall owners and the organization’s president have been negotiating with the government for years, but a water board connection has yet to be granted. With private tanker water supply also banned, this entire shopping hub is now facing a severe water crisis.