Stating this to Newsline, MC secretary H.K. Nagpal said that 170 stalls were being issued at Sector 17 Plaza, only to shopkeepers. The outsiders will be considered on first-cum-first served basis in case the shopkeepers are not interested. A removal fee of Rs 600 is being charged for the 15 by 15 feet stalls, Rs 300 for 10 by 10 feet and Rs 50 for shops up to 20 sq feet.

Meanwhile, the Assistant Fire Officers have been directed to check unauthorised shops in their respective areas and submit the report to the Chief Fire Officer for the necessary action. They are being assisted by officials of the enforcement staff.

In order to check any untoward incident of fire, two fire tenders have been placed at the disposal of the Fire Department -- one in front of Neelam Cinema and another near Bridge Market. The shopkeepers have been asked to keep fire extinguishers and four sand bags as precautionary measures. Leaves of officials have been cancelled to make the festival a great success and accident-free. Special vigil is being kept in the Sector 19 Rehri Market, where there is a great risk of fire, Nagpal added.