P’kula all set for grand Dasehra celebrations

Tribune News Service
Panchkula, October 18 

Maintaining law and order in Sector 5 here will be a daunting task for the police as two Ramlila clubs are organising Dasehra celebrations in the area. More than one lakh people are expected to witness the effigies being consigned to flames.

Standing tall at the Shalimar grounds, a 210-ft effigy of Ravana is the major attraction. 

The police have made elaborate arrangements to ensure there is no untoward incident. Around 1,000 policemen have been deployed to ensure celebrations go smooth.

The town will see Dasehra festivities at five places, including Sector 15 and 16.

About two lakh people, not only from Panchkula but also from neighbouring areas, including Zirakpur, Mani Majra and Mohali, would see effigies of demons being reduced to ashes.

The Panchkula administration has also decided to station four fire tenders at various spots in Sector 5 while four fire tenders will be parked at other sectors. 

There are three petrol pumps in the town, including one in Sector 8 and two in Sector 5, in the vicinity of the grounds where cracker-laden effigies would be set ablaze.

Meanwhile, the police had chalked out a route plan around Sector 5 to avoid traffic jam. They have also asked representatives of the clubs organising the festivities to make proper security arrangements. 

Traffic restrictions

There will be one-way traffic on the road from Bella Vista Chowk to Shakti Bhawan Chowk, extending to the Sector 5/9 traffic light point and telephone exchange near Sector 10 from 3 pm to 8 pm. 

Where to park

People coming in their own vehicles can park their vehicles in front of government offices situated at Sector 2 to 4, at parking space behind Hafed, the Fountain Park parking and behind The Cove hotel.