The annual four-day Flower Show organised by the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) at 10 locations across the city has left many visitors disappointed, with confusion, restricted access and unmet expectations overshadowing the civic body’s claims. The event was widely advertised as being open to the public from 5.30 am to 10 pm on all four days, a schedule prominently displayed on posters installed at the entrances of participating gardens. However, visitors who arrived during the daytime were denied entry by security personnel, who stated that the gardens remain closed between 10 am and 4 pm as per routine practice.

 

This directly contradicted the timings publicised by the NMC. Several citizens, including families and senior citizens who travelled from distant localities on Saturday, were forced to return without viewing the exhibition. “We planned our entire day around the timings mentioned on the gate, only to be turned away,” said Pooja Meshram, one of the visitors. At Mangalwari Garden, the situation triggered sharper resentment after visitors alleged preferential treatment. “We were stopped at the gate while NMC officials were allowed inside at the same time,” claimed Rahul Sontakke, questioning the fairness of the arrangement.

 

Even those who managed to enter the gardens later in the evening expressed dissatisfaction. “There was nothing to indicate any theme, just routine flower beds,” remarked a flower enthusiast. The discrepancies between official announcements and on-ground execution not only caused inconvenience but also undermined public confidence, turning what was meant to be a celebratory civic event into a frustrating experience for many citizens.