The cheapest forms of entertainment in the city will now cost a little more.
Visitors will now have to shell out an extra 10 bucks to relish their favourite ‘numaish’. After nearly a decade, the Exhibition Society has decided to raise the entry fee from Rs. 10 to Rs. 20. Children above five years also have to fork out the same fare. However, there will be no increase in the ticket on weekends.
For the Exhibition Society hiking the ticket has been a painful but inevitable decision in view of the rising cost of a whole lot of things. But still it remains the most inexpensive fun fair.
Hectic activity is on for the 73 All India Industrial Exhibition, the longest and largest trade fair in the country. Pavilions, specific purpose stalls, food courts, kiosks of different sizes and dimensions are being set up in the sprawling 23 acre ground.
Security remains the biggest concerns. But authorities are not taking any chances since the exhibition attracts thousands of visitors everyday. Last year over 22 lakh persons visited the 46 day shopping event.
“Besides CCTV surveillance there will be round-the-clock security”, says R. Sukesh Reddy, honorary secretary, Exhibition Society.
There will be door frame metal detectors, hand held metal detectors, vehicle checking mirrors and sniffer dogs to keep a vigil. Private security comprising 75 male and 30 female security guards besides 10 supervisors, including two women are being roped. This apart the Exhibition Society is drafting 125 volunteers and 80 watch and ward staff to ensure fool proof security.
“We are making sure that visitors have a hassle free time”, Mr. Reddy said.
Parking is another area of concern. Efforts are on to ensure that a uniform Rs. 20 for two wheelers and Rs. 50 for four wheelers for four hours are charged. The Exhibition Society has already held a meeting with police, GHMC and Housing Board in this connection.
The Exhibition Society has asked the police to consider making the Nampally-Mauzam Jahi market road one way stretch on weekends as the numaish witnesses unusual rush.
Authorities are also planning to go for LED and solar lighting to cut down on the rising power bill.
This time round there might be a Pakistan stall in the exhibition. Some traders from across the border have sought space. If government issues visa, the Exhibition Society might consider allotting space. To control dust pollution authorities have laid a new road from Ajanta Gate to Goshamahal Gate.
