Dhanteras loses shine in Jharsuguda

JHARSUGUDA: The impact of industrial slowdown and massive layoffs in the last two years has reflected on the Dhanteras celebrations in the district on Friday.
 In past, thousands of people used to make beelines to jewellery and automobile showrooms on Dhanteras and the local markets were abuzz with activity, but this year turned out to be a dull affair for many.
 Sushil Sarawagi, owner of Odissi Jewellers in Jharsuguda said, “The sale of gold coins and other jewellery items has been below expectation this season, despite multiple attractive offers to woo customers.”

 Arun Mundra of Vijayaxmi Automobiles here said, “The sales of two-wheelers in the district have been much below the target compared to the last few years.”
 Although, there was an encouraging response in the electronics market where bumper sales was recorded in the TV, refrigerator, microwave and washing machine segments. Mahindra Wadhwa of Mahindra Electronics in Brajrajnagar said, “Owing to many attractive discounts and offers by most electronics companies, the sales of electronic goods in the district has been extremely encouraging.”
 Keeping in mind the increasing incidents of loot, police in Jharsuguda, Brajrajnagar and Belpahar have tightened security in prime markets and commercial hubs.