Strolling around the lanes of iconic Connaught place on a cool and pleasant Sunday evening, what met my eyes couldn’t be shed off for years to come.
What once used to be the famous hang-out spot for Delhiites now find its destiny hanging by a thread. With almost every shop closed, the tobacco stained lanes were covered up in layers of dust and mountain of garbage. Going ahead, there were only few people to be seen, drenching in sweat and faces covered by masks but what couldn’t be masked is the sorry state of the place and the world at large.
Having frequented the area gazillion times, the place never seemed more foreign and hostile than today. The empty lanes and the emptier stomach of poor people were horrendous.
The illuminated streets, the sound of the music being played in the cafes, the lanes filled with the aroma of brewing coffee, the sight of people trying their hand at creativity for few bucks, the books and junked jewellery being sold at every nook and corner coupled with the patriotic and religious sights marked the joyous ambiance of Connaught place.
The deafening sound of the place has now been reduced to a silent cry. The lanes are screeching with poverty, the air is laden with fear, the land is shrouded with dust and heap of garbage and with just a dozen souls in sight, the danger is lurking around the corner.
What once used to be the second home for Delhiites is now home to dozens of cobwebs and mosquitoes, all breeding upon the crippled economy, poverty and the worsening state of affairs.
PS: I visited Connaught place during the unlock phase.