The once-thriving Ansal Plaza in Delhi, which marked the beginning of mall culture in the city, has now descended into silence and abandonment, reflecting changing consumer habits and urban decay.
Ansal Plaza, inaugurated in 1999, was a pioneer of the mall culture in Delhi, offering the city its first taste of a vibrant shopping and socializing hub. At that time, it was a hotspot for the youth, hosting everything from shopping to concerts, and served as a landmark location for dating and leisure. The nostalgia surrounding the plaza is palpable among the residents who experienced the bustling atmosphere, yet it stands in stark contrast to the current state of the mall, which has sadly become a shadow of its former self.
Today, Ansal Plaza is virtually deserted and has earned the moniker of being a 'haunted city.' The decline represents broader transformations in consumer behavior and the increasing competition from newer, more modern shopping complexes like DLF Promenade and Select Citywalk. Residents who grew up in the area now find it difficult to comprehend the nostalgia felt for the plaza, as they are surrounded by glossier and more appealing shopping destinations that have rendered the once-popular mall obsolete.
The story of Ansal Plaza is emblematic of the shift in urban landscapes and consumer culture in India; it highlights the fleeting nature of commercial success and the rapid evolution of societal preferences. What was once the centerpiece of retail and social life is now a somber reminder of the past, raising questions about the sustainability of such commercial monuments in an ever-changing urban environment.
