The city of Chandigarh witnessed the grand opening of its much-anticipated 38th Chrysanthemum Show on Friday. Organized by the Municipal Corporation (MC), the event was inaugurated at the scenic Terraced Garden in Sector 33 with a strong commitment to environmental responsibility, marking it as a zero-waste initiative.
A Celebration of Floriculture and Sustainability
Punjab Governor and UT Administrator, Gulab Chand Kataria, formally opened the three-day flower festival, which will remain open to the public daily from 11 am to 7 pm until December 21. He was accompanied by First Lady Amrita Kataria, Mayor Harpreet Kaur Babla, Chief Secretary H. Rajesh Prasad, along with senior officials, councillors, and enthusiastic citizens.
In his address, Governor Kataria commended the Municipal Corporation for championing sustainability through this event. He emphasized the importance of involving students more actively in plantation drives and gardening activities to foster a greener future. The inauguration was further brightened by cultural performances presented by children.
Honouring Green Efforts and Showcasing Initiatives
The event served as a platform to recognize and reward dedication to the city's green cover. Floral tributes were solemnly offered at the Martyrs' Pillar, and the hardworking gardeners from the MC's horticulture department were honoured for their year-round efforts in maintaining Chandigarh's beauty.
A key highlight was the tour of various stalls that showcased practical environmental initiatives. These included demonstrations and information on waste segregation, composting techniques, and eco-friendly products, all aligned with the goals of the Swachh Bharat Mission. Mayor Harpreet Kaur Babla praised the decision to host a zero-waste event and made a heartfelt appeal to residents to integrate similar eco-friendly practices into their daily lives.
Floral Diversity and Visitor Amenities
Municipal Commissioner Amit Kumar revealed the stunning scale of the floral display. Visitors can marvel at over 260 distinct varieties of chrysanthemums. The creativity of the gardeners is on full display through intricate floral models depicting animals and birds, adding an artistic dimension to the botanical showcase.
Ensuring a comfortable experience for all attendees, the MC has arranged essential amenities. These include provisions for drinking water, medical counters, and clean public conveniences. Staying true to the zero-waste theme, a special 'Zero Waste Rasoi' (kitchen) is serving food using only biodegradable packaging.
The 38th Chrysanthemum Show successfully blends breathtaking floral beauty with a powerful message of sustainability and active community participation. It stands as a vibrant testament to Chandigarh's ongoing commitment to promoting green living and environmental stewardship among its citizens.
