Finding a location to set up a firecracker market before Diwali has been a constant challenge for the administration and firecracker traders. For years, the firecracker market was held in the open ground of Burlton Park, but now, with the construction of the Sports Hub underway, space for shops is no longer available.
The district administration identified and approved several locations for the firecracker market, but each time, the location was cancelled for one reason or another.
Recently, the Municipal Corporation issued a NOC for setting up a firecracker market in Beant Singh Park, but this location was also cancelled after opposition from industrialists and objections from the PSIEC. Now, firecracker sellers’ organizations are eyeing village Chohkan. Located in the Rama Mandi area, the Municipal Corporation has approximately 8 acres of vacant land available. This location was considered previously, but narrow roads posed a problem.
Firecracker sellers say that this time the administration should seriously consider the Chohkan site, so that traders can get a permanent place before Diwali and the firecracker market can be organised smoothly keeping in mind the safety of the people.
