Poor planning and inadequate supervision by Delhi Tourism officials marred the 35th Annual Mango Festival at Dilli Haat, Janakpuri, with rain, congested roads, and unauthorized parking causing inconvenience to visitors over the weekend. A local resident from Hari Nagar expressed frustration as his car got trapped among randomly parked private buses in an official parking area, despite paying the required fees. He highlighted the absence of senior Delhi Tourism officials at the venue to address grievances, leading to altercations with aggressive bus operators.
Shweta, a visitor from Saket, also criticized the parking situation, noting that the lot was occupied by vehicles belonging to Delhi Tourism officials and their acquaintances, leaving the public to navigate a pothole-ridden area filled with rainwater. She recounted a harrowing experience trying to exit the congested parking lot after paying Rs 40, attributing the chaos to poorly parked buses that delayed her departure for an hour on Saturday afternoon. The lack of official presence and the disparity in facilities between officials and the public were highlighted, urging a reevaluation of hosting such events at Dilli Haat, Janakpuri.
Visitors like Mehar Singh from Punjab faced additional challenges as the rain-soaked venue posed safety risks, with wet carpets causing slips and falls. Singh lamented the lack of shelter from the rain for attendees outside the exhibition hall, contrasting the experience unfavorably with the previous year’s festival at Thyagraj Stadium. Criticism was directed at Delhi Tourism officials for neglecting essential visitor amenities, failing to meet the anticipated high standards expected in events held in the capital city.
The 35th Annual Mango Festival, inaugurated by Delhi Chief Minister Gupta, featured a display of over 400 rare and popular mango varieties across a three-day period.
