A recent drive by the New Delhi Municipal Corporation (NDMC) in Delhi’s Khan Market has sparked shutdown rumours among food lovers after videos showing restaurant and café signboards being removed went viral online. Read on to know more.
Viral JCB Video Sparked Khan Market Shutdown Rumours
One video, in particular, led to speculation that popular café The Grammar Room had shut down. However, businesses in the market have stated that they continue to operate as usual.
The controversy comes after an NDMC action targeting what the civic body described as non-compliant signage and encroachments. According to a report by The Times of India, the NDMC removed signboards from multiple shops and restaurants in Khan Market on Monday, saying that they were oversized and did not comply with the Outdoor Advertisement Policy (OAP), 2017. The civic body also removed claddings and water motors installed near building boundaries, describing them as encroachments on public land.
NDMC officials told the portal that the exercise was jointly carried out by its enforcement, estate, architect and EBR departments after discussions with market stakeholders. Authorities state that notices had already been issued to businesses regarding the signages. They also clarified that the action was not part of a large-scale crackdown, stating that the initial exercise covered only 10 to 12 complexes in one row, while other businesses in the market were encouraged to voluntarily comply with the regulations.
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The Grammar Room Continues To Operate
Amid the drive, a video shared on Instagram by Khan Market restaurateur Navdeep Singh Sethi of KLAP gained attention. The video showed a JCB removing the signage of The Grammar Room.
“Watching the Khan Market signage being demolished today was genuinely heartbreaking,” Sethi wrote while sharing the video. He added in the caption, “Chaos outside. Life goes on inside. Through the dust, noise and disruption, Khan Market is still showing up.”
The footage soon led to rumours on social media that The Grammar Room may have shut down. Addressing the rumours, its Chief Business Officer Tanya Bhardwaj shared an Instagram Story confirming that the café remains open. She wrote that The Grammar Room at Khan Market is open and serving up all the goodies as usual.
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Despite the signage removal drive and the confusion it sparked online, businesses across Khan Market continue to remain operational.
What are your thoughts about this?
Cover Image Courtesy: Instagram/navknowsflavour
FAQs
Why is Khan Market Delhi famous?
Khan Market in Delhi is famous as India's most expensive retail real estate and one of the world's top luxury shopping streets.
Which day is Khan Market closed in Delhi?
Khan Market in Delhi is closed on Sundays.
What to buy from Khan Market Delhi?
In Khan Market, Delhi, buy classic books at legendary shops like Bahrisons Booksellers, trendy ethnic wear at Fabindia and Anokhi, high-end home decor at Good Earth, organic beauty items from Forest Essentials, and silver jewelry at Amrapali.