DWARKA’S NAVRATRI MELA RAISES EYEBROWS

The sprawling Navratri Mela at the DDA Ground in Sector 11, near the sports complex, is in full swing- complete with dazzling lights, loud music, packed food stalls and crowds pouring in every evening. If festive enthusiasm is the yardstick, the event is a success. If governance is, however, the benchmark, the silence is equally deafening. Marketed as one of the biggest “Dwarka Utsav Navratri Melas” of 2026, the fair offers everything-thrilling rides, themed installations like an artificial Kashmir valley with a cascading waterfall, rows of shopping stalls selling everything from handicrafts to electronics and a vibrant lineup of cultural programmes. Children revel in games and families visit for shopping. But behind the colour and chaos lies an inconvenient question: who is watching the clock?

The DDA ground, as per available records, was booked till 26th March 2026 for a period of 45 days-the maximum duration permitted by DDA for any such event. Yet, as April progresses, the mela continues without interruption-lights glowing brighter, footfall increasing and accountability seemingly fading. This naturally raises a serious question: has the same mela been extended under a different name, has an official extension been granted or is the situation simply being overlooked by junior DDA officials?

A retired DDA official stated, “The SOP issued by DDA in 2025 clearly mentions that no event can run beyond 45 days and only 40% of the area can be used for commercial purposes. This event has already exceeded 55 days, with over 80% of the space being used commercially, and is still operational. Even if dismantling of rides like jhulas begins today, it will take at least 7 to 10 days. How can DDA permit continuation beyond the allowed time? This is unfair to local Ramleela and event organisers, who have faced penalties and even forfeiture of their security deposits. I have formally raised this concern with the LG and DDA VC to curb such manipulation by commercial organisers in Dwarka.” Equally concerning is the complete lack of visible enforcement action. In a city where residents are often penalised for minor violations, a large-scale commercial fair operating beyond its approved timeline appears to have gone unchecked or perhaps deliberately ignored. Residents are observing this contradiction with both frustration and disbelief. “It’s ironic. Authorities act quickly on small issues, but here a full-fledged mela continues past its deadline without any action. Are rules applied selectively?” questioned Mahesh Bansal. Adding to the grievances, an entry fee of Rs. 50 per person is also being charged, which, according to one agitated visitor, is both unethical and illegal. For now, the rides continue, music blares and crowds keep pouring in. As for the authorities, it seems they might be waiting for the mela to wind up on its own, avoiding the responsibility of stepping in.