Rose Festival-2021 not yet written off

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, January 23

The General House of the Municipal Corporation will decide whether the 49th edition of Rose Festival will be held this year or not, at its meeting on January 27.

The MC had earlier decided against holding the three-day event due to Covid. This was the reason that the agenda regarding approval, which is generally tabled about three to four months before the February event, was not brought in a House meeting so far.

It seems with the new Mayor in, the MC is proposing to hold it even when about a month is left for the annual event, which is organised at Rose Garden, Sector 16, in the last week of February.

“We will strongly oppose it during the House meeting. When the MC can cancel Chrysanthemum Show, why not Rose Festival? Social distancing is impossible at such events. There should only be a simple ribbon-cutting ceremony,” said Devinder Singh Babla, Leader of Opposition.

“They are going to spend about Rs89 lakh on the event. Why not spend the money on development? I am not against the fest, but who will be responsible if Covid spreads in such a large gathering,” he questioned.

A councillor wishing anonymity said, “People from the entire city would turn up at the fest venue. It will not be possible to follow the Covid guidelines.”

An MC official said, “We will decide the precautions to be taken if the House accords approval to the event.”

The civic body has proposed to spend Rs89 lakh on the three-day event. The highest amount of about Rs26 lakh has been proposed to be spent on waterproof tents and furniture. A sum of Rs5.15 lakh is proposed to be spent on making horticulture arrangements and Rs7.67 lakh on decorative and security lights arrangements and sound system. The MC would spend the remaining amount on prizes, competitions, fun activities, high tea and other activities. Helicopter rides have also been proposed for the event.