Urging people to celebrate the festival of lights without bursting crackers this Diwali, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, who was accompanied by Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, said at a Press conference on Monday.
The Delhi Government said it will organise a four-day laser show from October 26 to be held at Connaught Place. The move also aims at encouraging a community and pollution-free Diwali, the Chief Minister said.
"Various laser shows will be organised from 6 pm to 10 pm from October 26 to October 29. I invite the people of Delhi to attend the event and celebrate Diwali without firecrackers," Kejriwal said.
Sisodia said it will be a ''community Diwali'' where there will be no pollution.
There will be no entry passes for the event. People will have free access to the laser shows, Kejriwal said.
"The whole of Connaught Place will be decorated with laser lights. The laser shows will happen after every one hour, with various art and cultural programmes alongside the laser show.
"There will be food courts and markets where people can come and enjoy with their families," he said.
Kejriwal said the people
of Delhi are "like family to me and this laser show aims at celebrating Diwali together like a family".
If the Diwali laser-show is successful, then the government will organise the event at various locations and on a larger scale next year, he said.
Addressing concerns of traders at Connaught Place, Kejriwal said trade will increase and restrictions have been only imposed on private transport.
"There are no restrictions levied on traders and businessmen. Instead, trade will be doubled because people will be visiting Connaught Place in large numbers.
"Restrictions have been levied only on private cars because they can cause congestion on the roads," he said.
On the issue of restrictions imposed on private transportation, Sisodia said, "We have arranged for special parking facilities at nearby locations such as Shivaji Stadium."
"Electric vehicles will also be deployed to transit people from one location to another," he said.
The deputy Chief Minister said the Delhi Government has made all the necessary arrangements in this regard.
