3 party plots to open for Navratri in Ahmedabad

There is some disappointing news for garba enthusiasts. Not many party plot owners have shown interest in opening venues for the nine nights of Navratri. Only three party plots have approached the AMC to remove seals to meet their prior booking demands.

The move comes after the Gujarat HC granted the civic body power to unseal the plots. AMC officials said that three party plot owners have approached them and provided the guarantee on paper so as to unseal the plots.

"We will unseal the party plot if they mange to meet all our criteria,” said deputy municipal commissioner UC Padia. He said that owners should also show development plan papers for approval before October 18, 2010. "If they fail, we will again seal their party plots," said Padia.

In the hope that more party plot owners may approach the civic body to unseal their plots, the AMC has decided to keep the civic centre open on Saturday.

The party plot owners who preferred not to approach the AMC to unseal their plots said they want to wait for the hearing scheduled in the high court for Monday.

"Most of us are not booked for all nine nights. We have scattered bookings for the later days of the festival. So, we will wait for the hearing,” said party plot owner Hemesh Patel.

"Many have also preferred to keep logistics ready as they want to begin garba functions from Monday if the outcome of the hearing is in their favour," said Patel.