Chandigarh (National Times): A day before the UT Administration’s scheduled demolition of the illegal furniture market in Sectors 53 and 54, a massive crowd of bargain hunters swarmed the area on Saturday, hoping to buy household goods at slashed prices. However, much to their disappointment, the discounts turned out to be modest.
Despite the anticipation of throwaway prices, many customers were met with only marginal markdowns.
The surge in footfall led to traffic snarls on the road dividing Sectors 53 and 54, as the market lacks dedicated parking. In the chaos, transporters capitalised on the demand spike by hiking freight charges.
Massive Security Deployment for Sunday Demolition
To ensure law and order during Sunday’s large-scale demolition, the UT Administration deployed nearly 1,000 police personnel, including male and female officers, supported by Quick Response Teams (QRTs).
The demolition began at 7 am, will be a coordinated effort involving multiple departments:
- The Police Department oversaw crowd control and security.
- The Fire Department was on standby with equipment.
- The Health Department was also there to provide emergency medical assistance.
- The Engineering Department handled the structural demolition.
- The Municipal Corporation was responsible for immediate debris clearance.
The market sits on land acquired by the government in 2002 for the third phase development of Sectors 53, 54, and 55. The acquired area covers 227.22 acres across Kajheri, Badheri, and Palsora villages. Although compensation and enhanced compensation were paid to original landowners, around 15 acres were illegally encroached upon by the furniture traders.
A prior notice issued on June 22, 2024, directed shopkeepers to vacate the government land voluntarily. On June 30, the administration had already demolished 29 shops, and the remaining 116 shops are scheduled to be razed tomorrow.
With emotions running high and preparations in full swing, all eyes will be on the Sector 53-54 market on Sunday as the UT Administration enforces one of the largest anti-encroachment drives in recent years.
