Shoppers opting 'steel' not 'brass' this Dhanteras

Mirzapur, Nov 7 (UNI) Besides being well known for its brass utensils, people of the city are preferring steel this 'Dhanteras'.

The tradition of buying pots and pans on the day still holds importance, but this season, it is steel, not brass as the housemakers are opting the easy to handle and affordable steel utensils.

The importance of this brass city can be estimated with the fact that the renowned 'Sonebarsa' area of the city gots its name through the huge returns the utensil selling draw to the shopkeepers here.

Now, the situation is just the opposite...the streets of this area are wearing a deserted look brass industries here are on the condition of closure.

The dip in the demand of utensils have added to the woes of the industrial labourers of the city.

The pity conditions of rolling mills is further creating a situation akin to starvation for the workers.

Dr Sachiv Anand Tiwari, a local says ''The demand of designer and fancy utensils manufactured in Moradabad district have increased in recent times...these brass utensils of Moradabad are being exported, while our utensils are being ignored.'' Bholanath Pandey, a social worker said ''the lackadaisical attitude of the state governemnt has started ruining brass industries after carpet and leather.'' The time has come, when efforts should be made for protection of these industries, he observed.

UNI