Merely a week after putting the event on public display, the authorities of Sri Konda Laxman Telangana State Horticultural University dropped the curtain over the grape festival (exhibition-cum-sale) at Grape Research Station at Rajendranagar on February 24 saying that the grape-yard was bereft of fruit.
As against the 10 days of event that witnessed last time, the festival this time lasted for only six days that left the grape and garden lovers dejected and flabbergasted as their plans were gone to seed this time for one or more reasons. More so, as against the 9 acre of grape cultivation last time, the extent of area drops down to only 2 acres this time. Also as against 45 varieties last time, this time only 30 varieties were put to display.
It is said that mismanagement, misinformation, less variety of grapes and exorbitant rates marked the event this time and raised many eyebrows in the public that forced the authorities to declare closure of the festival.
The Sri Konda Laxman Telangana State Horticultural University organised the exhibition-cum-sale at Grape Research Station Rajendranagar which begins from February 19. However, the gates were closed on February 24 with a caution board declaring the reason for closing of the event.
Visitors were left surprised with the abrupt closure of the grape exhibition and were seen venting frustration on the people at the gate who were simply turning them back citing the station was dried up of grapes. “Last time we were allowed to visit the grape exhibition for almost two weeks. However, this time they are simply turning us back saying the grape bunches disappeared from the vines. Though we know that the prices are too high to buy the grapes at the station, they should atleast allow us inside to have a glimpse of the fruits,” rued Sakina Begum.
“The grape station played a profit making event more than a purpose. While no grapes produced or sold are organic in the station, the prices also burn a hole in the pocket of the visitors. The private people, who secured the auction, have simply offered Rs.500 to Rs.600 per kilogram while people are also complaining that some of the varieties were brought from outside the station which is tantamount to cheating with the visitors. This has made the event more private than the public this time,” felt Srinivas Harkara, the Founder of the City of Terrace Gardens, CTG.
