Savitri Cinema in Greater kailash Part-II of Delhi, which was shut down a few years back due to some fire safety related problems, is getting renovated by the DLF to open soon. However, the residents of the area are strongly protesting the move fearing clogging up of streets and allege that the cinema complex lacks adequate parking space and it will create a chaotic traffic situation.
The DLF, on its part, says they have all the mandatory clearances by the concerned authorities and they are not in a hurry to open the theatre. “We are not opening the cinema right now, would be opening it in the due course of time. We also have all the approvals in place,” said Sanjey Roy, DLF spokesperson.
As a matter of fact, the tussle between Savitri Cinema Complex and the residents dates back to 2004 when the proposal to rebuild the cinema was first floated. To protest the move, the RWA had contacted the Delhi Urban Arts Commission but to no avail and so they took the matter to the High Court and filed a petition.
The case then went to Supreme Court which in 2007 gave judgment in favour of the DLF. The residents are now planning to approach the Lieutenant Governor and the traffic police.
The residents claim that the theatre has a seating capacity of 300. In addition, a shopping complex will also be made operational. This means a good number of footfall in the complex where the parking space has been created for merely 60-70 cars.
The residents on Monday organised a candlelight march protesting the re-opening of Savitri Cinema-cum-Shopping Complex in the area.
