*Rose Festival-2025 starts amid pump and show
*Governor inaugurates the 53rd edition of ‘Zero Budget & Zero Waste’ Rose Festival at Rose Garden
Chandigarh, February 21:- The much awaited 53rd Rose Festival started here at Rose Garden amid pump and show. The three days festival has been formally inaugurated by Sh. Gulab Chand Kataria, Governor, Punjab and Administrator, UT, Chandigarh in the presence of Smt. Harpreet Kaur Babla, Mayor, Chandigarh.
Sh. V.P. Singh, IAS, Principal Secretary to Governor, Sh. Amit Kumar, IAS, Commissioner, MC Chandigarh, Sh. Jasbir Singh Bunty, Senior Deputy Mayor, Smt. Taruna Mehta, Deputy Mayor, Sh. Saurabh Joshi, area councilor, other councilors, prominent persons of the city and officers of Chandigarh Administration and Municipal Corporation were present during the inaugural ceremony.
While addressing the gathering, the Governor appreciated the efforts done by all the MC employees and officers to make this festival a grand success. He said that people from all walks of life can enjoy here with the arrangements and different showcase of flowers and cultural items for all age groups would be organized.
He said although all flowers have a unique character and beauty, but rose is one of the most popular flowers worldwide. It is known as the ‘Queen of Flowers’. In terms of literature, the flower has been glorified as symbol of love, compassion and eternal beauty.
He said that Chandigarh Rose Garden has been planned in such a way that a walk through the garden is like reading a story. He said that this 3-day Rose festival is a way to pay tribute to the magnificence of the roses and a mega celebration of Nature.
The Governor said that what makes Chandigarh Rose Festival unique and special is the high level of local public participation. I am happy that the citizens can take joy in this year’s Rose Festival and a variety of engaging events and this year ‘Zero Budget’ show that is being organized by the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation in the very first time in history.
The Governor also remembered Dr. M.S. Randhawa who conceptualized the Chandigarh Rose Festival and the third President of India, Dr. Zakir Hussain, after whom this rose garden has been named. He said both of them were keen horticulturists.
While addressing the gathering, Smt. Harpreet Kaur Babla said that people from all walks of life can enjoy here with the provisions and competitions of all age groups which would be organized in all three days such as Rose Prince & Princess, Mr. Rose & Miss. Rose and Rose King and Rose Queen for senior citizens. She also appreciated the team of MCC officers for organizing beautiful show by way of sponsoring all the events.
She further said it is a matter of great satisfaction to see the tremendous interest and enthusiasm has been shown by the different sections of society through their active participation in the Rose festival. With the concern of people towards conserving nature and natural resources increasing year after year, it is sure that the coming years will see more colorful flower shows in the city and greater participation and innovation in displaying the exhibits.
The Mayor said that this time the Corporation has given space for the food court, which was the utmost requirement of the general public and visitors to the Rose Festival as to serve them water and food at the garden itself. He said that proper arrangements of sanitation have been made during the three days Rose Festival. Display stalls to showcase the talent of beneficiaries of different schemes of DAY-NULM component, exhibits have been arranged for various Self Help Groups this time.
While welcoming the Chief Guest and other guests, Sh. Amit Kumar, IAS, MC Commissioner said that to make the festival live various cultural activities have been arranged during three days event inside Rose Garden to cater all the visitors over there.
He said 829 varieties of roses in the garden and different hues decorating the landscape, breathtaking floral displays, innovative new designs and exotic exhibits are the high points of this flower show. While Brass and Pipe band competition, photography exhibition, Nirol Babeyan da Bhangra, cultural evening and Game Zone for Children are the added charms to the show.
The Commissioner said that this time the MCC has arranged this festival as Zero Waste event. Keeping in view the mass awareness, the MCC has showcased various displays of Swachh Bharat Mission besides launching ‘Swachhata Ke Puzzles” small jigsaw puzzles pictures on various themes i.e. Segregation of Waste, four type of wastes, no littering in public place and say no to plastic products.
The Commissioner also announced to release cash prizes to the winners all the categories as previous years which were not included this year due to financial crunch in MCC. He said that the MC Chandigarh has also arranged sponsorship for giving away the cash prizes to the winners of all the categories as previous year.
Sh. Saurabh Joshi, area councilor thanked the Chief Guest and all the guests during the inaugural programme. He said that this is the Mega Show organized by Municipal Corporation for the citizens of Chandigarh to enjoy flower arrangements amid the cultural beats is really appreciable.
Earlier, the Chief Guest inaugurated the Selfie booth and Swachhata Stall at the Garden, where display of various schemes under Swachh Survekshan has been arranged including Segregation of Waste at source level, Say no to Plastic and onsite composting from kitchen waste etc.
Artists from various parts of country performed in the main stage and in the ground throughout the day followed by Rajasthani dance, Bean Jogi, Ghoomar, Bhavai and cultural evening which includes the performance by famous Punjabi folk singer Mrs. Sukhi Brar and group.
During the day “Folk Dance Competition” was organized in the main stage of Rose Garden, in which teams of young artists from different colleges of Chandigarh performed various items.
The Results of folk dance competition are as under:
Schools Category
1. Govt. Model Senior Secondary School, Sector 21 A
2. Divya Public School, Sector 44 D
3. Govt. Model Senior Secondary School, Modern Housing Complex, Manimajra
College Category
1. Govt. Home Science College, Sector 10
2. MCM DAV College for Women, Sector 36
Programmes Schedule for 22nd February (Saturday)
9.00 a.m. Rose Prince and Rose Princess Competition
10.00 a.m. Kite Flying Show
10.30 a.m. Photography Competition
11.00 a.m. Gatka performance
11.30 a.m. Rose King & Rose Queen (Senior Citizen)
2.00 p.m. Rose Quiz Competition
3.30 p.m. Mr. Rose and Miss Rose Competition
4.30 p.m. Sufiana Gayan by Sh. Balbir ji & Group
6.30 p.m. Performance by renowned artist group Lopoke Brothers
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*Chandigarh Mayor & Councillors urges UT Administrator for urgent financial support to sustain essential services in city
*Mayor Harpreet Kaur Babla alongwith all councillors meets Chandigarh Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria
Chandigarh, February 21:-Chandigarh Mayor, Mrs. Harpreet Kaur Babla acompanied by all MC councillors today met with the Governor, Punjab and Administrator, U.T. chandigarh Sh. Gulab Chand Kataria and raised various key issues pertaining to the larger public interest and urged for strengthening the financial position of MC Chandigarh as well as welfare of its employees.
The Mayor briefed the Administrator that the Municipal Corporation Chandigarh (MCC) has been playing a crucial role in maintaining and developing the city’s infrastructure, ensuring sanitation, and providing essential public services on a no-profit, no-loss basis.
The Mayor briefed that in an effort to enhance its financial position, the MCC has undertaken various measures, including:
* Providing temporary water connections outside Lal Dora/Phirni limits in 22 villages. (Estimated revenue: ₹25-30 crore)
* E-auction of advertisement rights on public utilities and connecting passages. (Estimated revenue: ₹25-30 crore)
* Zoning and layout plan development in Manimajra. (Estimated revenue: ₹150-200 crore)
* Advertisement rights on roundabouts across the city. (Estimated revenue: ₹4-5 crore)
* Increase in annual ground rent for municipal land used by cable operators.
* Revision of rates for birth and death certificate issuance.
* Revision of rental agreements for Verka-Vita booths.
Expenditure Reduction Efforts
To optimize resources, MCC has implemented several cost-cutting measures, including:
* Removal of 200 outsourced employees.
* Reduction in the number of vehicles hired for officials.
* Cost-cutting in public events like Chrysanthemum Show 2024 and Rose Festival, making the latter a zero-budget event.
* Reduction of expenses on entertainment and General House meetings.
She said that pending Demands from the Chandigarh Administration
The MCC has urged the Chandigarh Administration to provide immediate financial assistance, citing:
* Reimbursement of ₹160 crore spent on pensions for transferred employees and an additional ₹40 crore per annum for future pension liabilities.
* Implementation of the 4th Delhi Finance Commission (DFC) recommendations for fund devolution.
* Release of ₹170 crore in additional funds for the financial year 2024-25 to meet liabilities and sustain municipal services.
She said that as per the pressing financial challenges, MCC appealed to the Chandigarh Administration and Government of India for urgent intervention to ensure the continued delivery of essential civic services.
The Mayor said that the Administrator assured full support from the Chandigarh Administration and directed the concerned officers to convene a urgent meeting shortly to discuss financial status of MC Chandigarh in detail and resolve the issue at the earliest.