SHILLONG: While just a week is left for Durga puja celebrations, the puja shopping is yet to pick up its expected pace in Shillong. Most of the shopkeepers in the city lament that the sale this year is quite down in comparison to last year.
B Mordani, owner of the Mohni store said that sales were quite down though the weekend was quite good.
He also hoped that the market would show some improvement this week. Echoing similar views, the store manager of Planet Avenues showroom, Ankit Jain also reiterated that the sales this year was not as good as previous year.
He also rued that the online shopping too had somehow affected their sales as these companies were offering massive discounts
He, however, said that there were many who prefers to buy clothes physically even as he added that sales were expected to increase from this week.
Meanwhile, East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner, PS Dkhar said that first round meeting between the District Administration and the Central Puja Committee (CPC), underlined the need for safety measures in all the puja pandals like the first aid box, fire extinguishers, traffic arrangement and others.
In addition, the CPC has also been asked to ensure that provisions of Pollution Control Board are enforced during the immersion of idols in the immersion ghat.
The DC has also asked the constitution of police station level committee in which magistrate, O/C of the respective police station and members of the local puja committee will be involved and they will meet from time to discuss and sort out any issues.
