Chandigarh, July 20 -- The illegal furniture market in Sectors 53 and 54 came alive one last time on Saturday as residents thronged the shops to make the most out of the distress sale ahead of Sunday's demolition drive. Left with no option, shopkeepers were offering the furniture at half the price. The illegal market, housing 116 shops over approximately 15 acres of encroached agricultural land, has been operational since 1985. The market, located along a busy road connecting Chandigarh and Mohali, had become a major chokepoint due to haphazard parking and encroachments. With little to no fire-safety infrastructure and dangerously close shop spacing, the area-stocked with flammable materials like thinners-has witnessed multiple fire incidents over the years. Sanjeev Bhandari, president of the furniture market association, said, "We had no choice but to sell our furniture at half the price. Most shopkeepers are shifting their goods to Mohali and other parts of Chandigarh." Another shopkeeper, Shakib, expressed helplessness over the situation. "Everything happened so quickly, we didn't have time to consider alternate sites. Today, we are forced to sell our stock at throwaway prices," he said. Meanwhile, officials from the UT estate office were seen making announcements through loudspeakers, instructing shopkeepers to vacate their premises ahead of Sunday's demolition. Seema Sharma, a resident of Sector 79, was among the many customers who took advantage of the situation. "I read in the newspaper that the market would be demolished. I came to buy a dining table and managed to get it at a very reasonable price," she said. To ensure smooth and incident-free demolition, which will start at 7 am, the administration has deployed over 1,000 police personnel at the spot. Chandigarh deputy commissioner Nishant Kumar Yadav has directed the police to ensure the presence of both male and female officers and quick response teams (QRTs). Teams from the fire department, health department and engineering department have also been told to remain on standby. The municipal corporation will be responsible for immediate removal of debris and waste....