In Residence

Since 1961, I’ve spent close to 37 years in and around the Civil Lines and NorthCampus area. There was a break from ’90 to ’95 when I lived in various SouthDelhi colonies like Gulmohar Park, South Extension and Panchsheel Park but eventuallydecided to move back to Civil Lines six years ago. Somehow the posh South Delhi coloniesgive me a sense of being in transit, as though you’re waiting to shift into afarmhouse. The sense of belonging is missing. Civil Lines has that rootedness. Despite thedin of isbt and the upcoming Metro, it is a self-contained, green pocket.

When the British built it they didn’t anticipate much vehicular traffic soit’s criss-crossed with charming lanes. The resident families are old-time Delhiites,understated and unostentatious. P.N. Dhar lives just next door. I love to hang out in theRidge area and at the University coffee house. I also go over to Oberoi Maidensoccasionally. There are a few problems, like encroachment of public land for personalfunctions. A huge marriage pandal had come up in Qudsia Garden. A committee was formed toprevent all this but lots more needs to be done. Civil Lines is not what it used to be inmy childhood but is still comfortable to live in.