Why Delhi's top 3 iconic malls could shut down

Shoppers are facing significant difficulties, which are further exacerbated during the festive season. (Image credit: @thematrixloop/X)

Three major shopping malls in South Delhi's Vasant Kunj are on the brink of closure due to a severe water shortage, as per report. This area, popular for shopping and sightseeing, could see three of South Delhi’s most famous and high-profile shopping destinations - DLF Promenade, DLF Emporio and Ambience Mall - shutting their doors before Diwali.

For the first time in the capital, the city’s glamorous shopping centers—popular among celebrities, foreign tourists, and luxury shoppers—are facing a severe water shortage, forcing management to consider temporary closures.

Impact on mall operations: Toilets shut, restaurants running dry

According to a report by News18, if the government and Delhi Jal Board (DJB) fail to supply water to the malls within the next two to three days, they may be forced to close, impacting businesses worth crores and putting thousands of jobs at risk.

As per the report, the shortage has had a cascading effect: toilets are clogged, 70% of restrooms are closed, and restaurants struggle to wash dishes or serve water to customers. Shoppers are facing significant difficulties, which are further exacerbated during the festive season. Restaurants and cafes within the malls struggled to maintain sanitary operations and had to limit services.

Arvind Kapoor, president of the Mall and Shopping Complex Association, highlighting the gravity of the situation said the area, developed in 2008, has always struggled with water issues. Despite being a major shopping hub, the DJB has never provided a consistent water supply.

The malls previously relied on private tankers, but a recent government ban on tanker water has left them in a dire situation.

“We are not receiving water from the Jal Board, making it extremely difficult to operate the shopping complex and its three major malls. If the supply is not restored soon, all operations may come to a halt,” Kapoor noted.

Malls say contingencies are in place

However, DLF Promenade and DLF Emporio malls have acknowledged the concerns raised about water supply in the Vasant Kunj are for couple of days, and clarified that they have robust contingency measures in place. They said that through proactive coordination with the concerned authorities, they have maintained full operational capacity, and added that all facilities, including restrooms and restaurants, are functioning normally, ensuring a seamless experience for shoppers, tenants, and visitors.

DLF spokesperson said, “Our teams are working diligently and in close coordination with concerned authorities to ensure uninterrupted services, especially with the festive season at its peak. Our foremost priority is to give the best of services to our customers.”