espite massive arrangements and raising flowering plants for the summer festival at the Bryant Park, torrential rain that lashed for four hours from 6 a.m. not only spoiled the flower show but also caused extensive damage to flowering plants, the prime attraction on the hill resort.
The park was empty till 10 a.m. as not even a single visitor could reach the spot. Petals of flowers in the rose garden and Delia in different hues almost withered. However, some flowering plants survived the rain.
The officials had a tough time in preparing the park for the festival. They managed to construct a tribal hut on a tree made of multi-colour flowers and Qutab Minar made of vegetables for the flower show.
When the rain stopped at 10.30 a.m., the tourists trickled in. Heavy showers made the field slushy, reducing the flow of tourists. However, Ministers and officials inaugurated the summer festival. Braving the rain, some tourists enjoyed the flower show taking snaps in front of the flowering plants.
Till 12.30 p.m., there was thin attendance of tourists. Not even 200 entrance tickets were sold till noon. Cultural programmes were conducted to retain the tourists inside the park. “Our six months’ efforts were in vain,” said horticulture officials.
Normally, vehicles would be seen in long queues at the check-post near the Silver Cascade during weekends. Such a scene was missing on Saturday.
