Delay in nod to Ramotsav: Mayor seeks LMC’s reply

Lucknow: Mayor Sushma Kharakwal has sought an explanation from Namrita Singh, additional municipal commissioner and officer-in-charge (property), over delay in granting permission for religious events at Jhulelal Vatika.Rajesh Raj Gupta, chief manager of Rainyo Seva Trust, applied on July 4, 2025, to hold Sharadiya Navratri and Ramotsav from Sept 30 to Oct 2. The application was not approved as the property department failed to act promptly, preventing the event and resulting in an estimated financial loss of Rs 3.5 lakh to the municipal corporation.The trust later applied for a seven-day Shrimad Bhagwat Katha from Nov 22 to 28, which was approved by the property department of LMC. However, Jhulelal Vatika is traditionally reserved for the Kartik Mela, with a 45-day tender already issued from Nov 5. The overlap and inconsistent allocation raised further concerns of administrative negligence, which caused the LMC a financial loss.Speaking on the matter, Kharakwal said, "Rajesh Raj Gupta requested permission to hold the Shrimad Bhagwat event from Sept 30 to Oct 2. The municipal authorities did not approve it then, causing a loss of around Rs 3.5 lakh. Later, he requested alternative dates and the event was sanctioned from Nov 22 to 28. When I checked, I found the allocation was split inconsistently, causing confusion and financial loss as the venue is allocated for the traditional ‘Katki Fair' during the dates reserved for the Shri Bhagwat Katha. These fairs—Kartika Purnima and Shri Bhagwat—are long-standing traditions and mishandling them disrespects both the organisers and the customs. Proper action should be taken and I will follow up with the necessary documents and clarifications."The concerned officer has been asked to submit a detailed explanation by the afternoon of Oct 9, failing which the matter may be escalated to higher authorities.