While the Delhi government is all set to organise a four-day laser show before Diwali at Connaught Place, the traders of one of the busiest markets of national capital have expressed their displeasure over the choice of venue.
Shop owners have put posters on walls and gates with slogan – “CP is a commercial place not a mela ground.” It was done to mark their silent protest against the government’s decision.
Traders are miffed that due to laser show event at the central park, some roads and parking zones will be closed for four days. Shop owners have threatened to boycott the event saying that the area is a commercial hub and not a cultural centre.
On Monday, Delhi government had announced to organise the laser show from October 26 to 29 to dissuade use of crackers on Diwali.
“We have come to know about the plan to close some of the roads in Connaught Place for traffic from 6 pm onwards. Parking lots will also be used for hosting food stalls for four days. Any such plan is essentially against the very character and design of Connaught Place since this has traditionally been a central business district and not a cultural centre,” Atul Bhargava, president of New Delhi Traders Association, said in press conference.
“The move will create traffic chaos, compromise on safety of shoppers and women as well as cause inconvenience to everyone visiting the area, especially senior citizens and specially-abled visitors,” Bhargava said.
