The Deserted Avatar Of Connaught Place At The Hour Of Curfew Took Us Back By 50 Years

by Suchismita Pal
The Deserted Avatar Of Connaught Place At The Hour Of Curfew Took Us Back By 50 Years

What comes to your mind when you think about Delhi’s good ol’ Connaught Place? A peppy line up of branded outlets, crowds of young pub hoppers, eye-catching street merchandise, lip-smacking food, street gigs and whatnot. Unquestionably, it is one of the busiest hubs in the heart of Delhi. But after the declaration of the Janata Curfew by the Govt. of India, the cacophony has been replaced by a striking calmness. The deserted view that’s surfacing right now is aptly taking us back in time to the bygone days of the 1970s.

Connaught Place
Picture Credits: Deccan Herald

A Lookalike of The 1970’s Connaught Places

It was between 1975 to 1977, when the entire Connaught Place had shown up a deserted display, owing to the countrywide emergency by the then Government. After about 50 years, the COVID-19 pandemic has brought back the same scenario. Only a few people, including policemen, health workers and Government officials can be spotted in the area right now. Also, on the first day of curfew, policemen were giving flowers to the ones who had no option but to step out. They are selflessly doing their duty to safeguard the nation.

Also Read: 10 Things You Need To Explore In Connaught Place, Delhi

Connaught Place
Picture Credits: Election Facts

What’s More?

Looking up at the sky and finding it blue is something Delhiites have not experienced for ages. The 360-degree lockdown of the city is helping mother nature clear the clutter of pollution in her own way. Apart from keeping a check on the infection spread, this extended lockdown might pave the way for an improved air quality in the Capital.

Also Read: There Is A Connaught Place In Gr Noida That Has A Replica Of Taj Mahal Too! Been There Yet?

So, let’s stay safe and hope for a better tomorrow. After all, “If Winter comes, can Spring be far behind?”