In a shocking move which will surely be saddening for many students in Delhi University’s North Campus, at least 5 popular cafes in North Delhi’s Hudson Lane were shut down amidst the municipal corporation’s sealing drive.
On April 30, bulldozers were spotted on the streets of DU students’ favorite eating hub. Soon, they began tearing down the facades of some extremely popular eateries such as Rico’s, QD’s, Big Yellow Door (BYD), Woodbox Cafe, and YOLO 21. Even the local Pizza Hut was not spared. Additionally, the For God’s Cake bakery and the PC Jewellers store were also seen being torn down.
These restaurants and cafes are the go-to spots for DU students and attract huge crowds almost on a daily basis. On peak hours, they have a minimum of 10-15 minutes of waiting time.
By providing scrumptious yet affordable food tailored to a college student’s pocket, these cafes have beaten college canteens and have carved out a special corner in the hearts of hundreds of students.
This is just one more in a series of demolitions carried out by the municipal corporation under the orders of a Supreme Court appointed committee which has declared these shops illegal under the 2021 Delhi Masterplan.
Also Read: Why South Campus Is Not As Great As North Campus In Delhi University
Earlier, sealing and demolitions were carried out in Defence Colony, Khan Market, Karol Bagh, Model Town, Hauz Khas, and Paharganj. In Defence Colony, Hauz Khas and Khan Market too popular eateries were shut down.
The reason for this sealing according to officials is that commercial activities are not allowed in the basements as well as the first and above floors in these areas without payment of conversion charges.
For more details on this sealing drive, read this article.
What remains to be seen is that when these cafes will be allowed to reopen, if at all. The anger against the sealing drive, in general, has been driving lawmakers to come to an amicable solution.
Till then, DU students will have to make do without their favorite hang out spots and settle for other places that are still (hopefully) open.
Or they can just go to Satya Niketan.
Sources: India Today, Indian Express, Hindustan Times
Image and Video Credits: Amit Kapoor, Google Images
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