Who will polish star plaza?
THE plaza of the “City Beautiful”, Chandigarh, may have been its star attraction for decades but has now been hijacked by street vendors.
The large open space of the plaza, which was a delight for walkers and shoppers in the commercial hub of Chandigarh, is now occupied by the vendors who squat there, especially during the evening.
The vendors, called phariwalas, sell cheap toys, stuffed items, posters, household wares and clothes.
Despite the authorities declaring the Sector 17 plaza a “no vending zone”, the rules are being violated with impunity and officials look away.
The business promotion council of Sector 17 met with Chandigarh mayor Devesh Moudgil and Union Territory administrator VP Singh Badnore, to highlight the menace of the vendors and other problems being faced by the Sector 17 traders and the people coming to the market for shopping.
“Something needs to be done about the phari-walas, who have occupied and encroached every available space, including the fountain area and the plaza which is a major tourist attraction,” said Neeraj Bajaj, president of the business promotion council of Sector 17.
Officials in the local municipal corporation admit that attempts to remove and relocate the vendors from the plaza have not been effective.
“Things have really gone from bad to worse in Sector 17. The street vendors have changed the character of the place. This place was always so unique for Chandigarh.
“It’s shameful that the authorities are more concerned about maintaining the areas and houses where VIPs live, while the biggest commercial hub of the city has been allowed to become a mess,” said Jatinder Sharma, a businessman and regular visitor.
In recent years, the Sector 17 shopping area has lost substantial clientele to malls that have opened in the city.
“The Sector 17 market used to be visited not only by city residents, but people from the adjoining towns of Panchkula and Mohali, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh,” said Anuradha, a homemaker.
Besides the hundreds of shops, including top international and national brands, Sector 17 is home to scores of government offices.
“Business worth millions is transacted in this sector. The administration should pay more attention to it and help it regain its lost glory,” said entrepreneur Manu Goyal.
The local authorities have tried to spice up things recently by installing a musical fountain and laser show, and holding entertainment activities at the plaza. However, these have not been sustained.
The sector badly needs rejuvenation – but who will bell the cat? – IANS