This Diwali Sector 17 will miss its usual charm as it will not be decked up massively as it was being done in the last two years. A collective call has been taken by the shopkeepers owing to the devastation that has taken place due to Punjab and Himachal floods. “This time the shopkeepers will just be individually putting up lights on their shops. The grand lighting that would take place with events usually won't be happening this year,” Neeraj Bagga, president, Chandigarh Business Council while speaking to The Indian Express said. “We all shopkeepers decided that this is going to be in solidarity with those who have suffered damage due to Punjab and Himachal floods. We can’t be in that celebratory mode,” Bagga added. He said still businesses are expecting good footfall due to open plaza spaces in the sector. “We know that Sector 17 was the main attraction during this time with thousands of people visiting to see the light tunnels and fountain lights. But this time it isn’t happening,” Bagga added. He specified that the arrangements of the event had to be done two months ago but everyone was caught up in supporting the Punjab floods victims because of which it couldn't take place. Last Diwali, Sector 17 drew thousands of people as a 120-foot-long chip-based light tunnel became a major attraction. A ‘Mirror Plaza’ of 30x60 feet had also been created to give a double lighting effect. The traders had together contributed and brought back life to the ‘deserted’ Sector 17. Trees were also highlighted with different colour lights. As many as 5000 umbrellas were also hung to attract people. Kamaljit Singh Panchhi, president, Chandigarh Traders Association, Sector 17, has raised serious concerns over the safety of shoppers and shopkeepers in view of the heavy footfall expected during the Diwali season. He urged the Chandigarh Administrator to direct the Municipal Corporation Commissioner, and the Director of Health Services for permanent deployment of a mini fire tender and ambulance at the plaza near police chowki, Sector 17, during the Diwali season. Panchhi emphasised that such an arrangement is vital to ensure a quick response in case of fire or medical emergencies, as congested parking areas often delay the movement of regular fire tenders. Highlighting the financial strain on local traders amid growing online competition, he stated that any fire-related incident during the festive period could further worsen their situation. A strategically stationed mini fire tender and ambulance, he said, would safeguard both lives and livelihoods. He also appealed to the citizens of Chandigarh to cooperate by following the parking and traffic guidelines issued by the Chandigarh traffic police and to park their vehicles only in designated areas near markets, ensuring that fire tenders can easily reach the affected area in case of an emergency.
