The Delhi government will organise a four-day laser show from October 26 to encourage people not to burst crackers this Diwali, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said on 21 October, Monday.
The event will be held at Connaught Place, Kejriwal, who was accompanied by Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, said at a press conference.
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.
"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.
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