People welcome step to keep Walking Plaza crowd-free; school security next on PCB list

The usual crowd at the Walking Plaza on MG Road, where colourful events are held on weekends, was missing on Sunday. Most people who flock to the spot on Saturdays and Sundays to unwind themselves after a hectic week are, however, not complaining.

Many citizens are rather heaving a sigh of relief at Pune Cantonment Board's (PCB) decision to suspend the weekend revelry for an indefinite period at the Plaza. There is not much resentment among shopkeepers, hawkers, vendors and hoteliers in the area either against the decision.

The reason why most citizens have welcomed the step is that it was taken keeping in mind their safety, following the terror attack in Mumbai. The general view among people was that crowding of any sort should be avoided in the time of terror and that the Pune Cantonment Board had done the right thing.

PCB president Brig R J Sharma said, “With the recent attacks in Mumbai, we are not taking any chances. The weekend Walking Plaza usually has people visiting in huge numbers. Such a huge congregation needs to be managed efficiently. The situation some days back was different, but after what happened in Mumbai we are not taking chances.”

Mohammed Ali, owner, George Restaurant, said, “In many ways, it's good they have shut down the Walking Plaza. It's not that business has taken a beating or anything, but in view of security and the traffic scenario, it's better that they have shut down the place.”

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