New Delhi:
Most of the Capital's main market areas recorded 50% less footfalls on Saturday even with Diwali just two days away. In markets like Lajpat Nagar, Sarojini Nagar, Karol Bagh, South Extension, Chandni Chowk shopkeepers claimed nobody was buying due to the recent market meltdown. Moreover, security concerns also refrained shoppers from heading to crowded market areas.
The crowd at the city's markets was the same as seen on any other weekend. Most shops were empty and only the decorations put up by traders' associations were a reminder of the fact that Diwali is round the corner.
Said Sanjay Bharghav, owner of a ready-made garments shop at Chandni Chowk: "The festive season has been very dull. In fact, it doesn't even feel like Diwali is approaching. The garment shops have been the worst hit. No one is buying gifts. Even the eateries in Chandni Chowk are hardly crowded.''
According to shopkeepers though, security — which was lax on Friday — had been stepped up by Saturday. Heavy police presence was seen in many of the local market areas. Said Rekha Sinha, who was shopping at Madhu Vihar on Saturday evening: "By evening, people had started venturing out of their homes to buy diyas and other decoration items and there was a lot of police in the markets. The police officers were even checking shopping bags.''
With most bomb blasts having taken place on a Saturday, market places which have witnessed blasts in the past saw even lesser footfalls as compared to others. Said a shopkeeper in Sarojini Nagar: "Business has been badly hit this festive season. As most of the blasts happened on a Saturday, very few people actually came out to shop, especially in market areas like Sarojini Nagar where blasts have taken place in the past.''
Said an employee of Classik electronics in Lajpat Nagar: "Hardly any electronic goods have been purchased even though Diwali is coming up. The crash in the share market has made people very cautious about splurging on luxury goods. Security is also one of the reasons for slow business.'' Agreed Gurjeet Singh: "The usual gift hampers are also not selling. We are now stocking less.''
Said a shopper at South Extension, Lucky Singh: "My wife and I were advised against stepping out of our houses by our families due to security concerns. But, this being our first Diwali, we decided to celebrate it like every year by shopping for new clothes and buying necessary items for the festive season.''
With Dhanteras on Sunday, shopkeepers still hope for their business to pick up slightly. Only jewellers seem to be smiling all the way. The sale of gold has been more or less the same this Diwali.
Ghaffar Market gets 16 CCTVs: In a bid to thwart terror activities, Ghaffar Market traders' association has installed 16 CCTV cameras in the market. Relying not only on the assistance provided Delhi Police, this system will help traders keep an eye on visitors and identify any suspicious objects. TNN
