Ground report: Post-blast, markets slowly returning to normalcy

Around a week after the blast near the Red Fort in Chandni Chowk, traders said the markets witnessed only 50 per cent of the footfall usually seen on weekends before the blast.

A visit by The Tribune correspondent revealed that wholesale markets in the area were slowly returning to normalcy which used to remain jam-packed before the blast.

Though the road had been cleared and traffic movement had resumed, there seems to be a sense of fear among those passing through the area.

Speaking to The Tribune, Sanjay Bhargava, president of the Chandni Chowk Sarv Vyapar Mandal, said the markets witnessed only 50 per cent of the footfall usually seen on Saturday and Sunday before the blast.

He said traders had piled up stock in view of the wedding season, but the business had stalled due to the incident. “We are hopeful that people will come out and shop from here,” Bhargava added.

Traders of the Lajpat Rai market, a popular destination for electronics items, saw fewer visitors.

“The market remained closed for nearly four days. Many people might not have information that the market had reopened. So, few shoppers thronged the market on Sunday,” said Satish Chhabra, a shopkeeper.

Recalling the tragic incident, Rakesh Kumar, another shopkeeper, said he reached the spot barely minutes before the blast.

“I was standing outside when three blasts occurred. The first one sounded like a normal CNG cylinder burst, the kind we hear sometimes. But the second was so loud that it felt like the ground had split,” he said.

He recalled seeing a fireball after the third blast. “It looked like the sun had suddenly risen outside. It must have been around 6:50 pm. At that moment, nearly a thousand people were inside the market,” he said.

With the markets reopening and the memory of the blast fading slowly, the traders are hopeful that the markets will return to their past glory.

Famous markets, their specialties in Chandni Chowk area

Dariba Kalan: Famous for silver and gold jewellery, including imitation pieces

Khari Baoli: Asia’s largest spice market, also selling dried fruits, nuts and pulses

Kinari Bazaar: A wholesale and retail market for wedding decor like ribbons, laces and other embellishments

Nai Sarak: A hub for books, stationery and academics materials

Chawri Bazaar: Known for brass and copperware, as well as a large selection of wedding and greeting cards

Bhagirath Palace: Largest wholesale market in India for lamps, lights and medical equipment

Katra Neel: Specialises in fabrics, sarees and other clothing materials

Ballimaran Market: Known for budget fashion, including shoes, sunglasses and watches

Fatehpuri Market: A hub for milk-based products like paneer and khoya

Traders hopeful of revival

Sanjay Bhargava, president of the Chandni Chowk Sarv Vyapar Mandal, said traders had piled up stock in view of the wedding season, but the business had stalled due to the incident. “We are hopeful that people will come out and shop from here,” Bhargava said.