Chandigarh, July 18 -- Functioning illegally since 1985, the furniture market in Sectors 53 and 54 is finally set to go with a demolition drive planned on July 20.

UT estate officer-cum-deputy commissioner (DC) Nishant Kumar Yadav confirmed the development and said that over 1,000 police personnel will be on duty to ensure smooth operations. The shops employ nearly 1,000 persons.

Tinderbox on major inter-city artery

The unauthorised market, housing 116 shops, occupies approximately 15 acres of agricultural land in Sectors 53 and 54. Located on a busy artery connecting Chandigarh and Mohali, the market has emerged as a major chokepoint, with improper parking outside the shops blocking free passage to vehicles.

With barely any fire-safe...