Residents protest against mall project by RIL
India’s largest privately owned company, Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL), which had been planning to develop a 720,000 sq ft flagship shopping mall in Alaknanda, South Delhi, has now decided to go slow on the plan.
In 2007, a firm of RIL group had won a 4-acre plot at a Delhi Development Authority (DDA) auction for over Rs 304 crore. Till now, the firm was busy planning and seeking licences from the concerned authorities to construct a six-storey shopping mall with three-floor basement. And the mall was planned to be ready by 2014.
But now, the RIL’s shopping mall project in South Delhi has been facing protests from an assorted group of upper middle class professionals residing in South Delhi who are against the construction of the mall. The protestant group includes economists, doctors, architects, lawyers, teachers, etc and calls itself as the Citizens Alliance. A month ago, the group had conducted a rally in which over 1000 people had participated. The group claims that the proposed mall is likely to create chaos and traffic disorder in the locality and it would be a major hassle to the residents.
The members of Citizens Alliance alleged that the residents were expecting that the plot will be used for common facilities like playgrounds, tennis courts, swimming pools, etc and now they are appalled to know that a mall is coming up. On the flip side, DDA sources revealed that, the plot was always earmarked for commercial purpose only.
The protestant group has already petitioned Delhi CM Sheila Dixit, BJP leader VK Malhotra and the Lt Governor of the city in the past few months.
A school is located just next to the proposed shopping mall and the principal of the school has been opposing the construction of the mall as well.
Sources close to RIL revealed that the company has decided to be in a wait and watch mode as the protests picked up speed. Since the company has many projects lined up, it is not in a mood to kick start the Alaknanda project. However, the firm is ready with all relevant documents and clearances for the project.
It has been observed in many cases worldwide that the construction of big malls or supermarkets paved way to major controversies and has often led to clashes among leading retailers and local communities. When Walmart, an American multinational retail company, tried to enter different cities in the US, New York and Washington DC had restricted it. However, in India, the opposition by local residents being faced by Reliance is probably the first protest of its kind.
According to a study made by an economics research firm, Indicus Analytics, on the proposed mall and its consequences on the neighborhood, points out that parking space for around 7,200 cars will be needed during weekends and holidays. But the proposed mall’s parking area enables parking for only 500 cars. This bears testimony that the residents claim is not fully wrong as the shortage of parking space may rise serious concerns in the future. Surprisingly, even with such defects, the firm has managed to get all requisite approvals for the project in Alaknanda.
