NEW DELHI: Delhi Development Authority (DDA) has finally granted permission for Phool Walon ki Sair following the intervention of lieutenant governor VK Saxena, Raj Niwas officials said on Sunday. Last week, the organising body, Anjuman Sair-e-Gul Faroshan, announced that it had decided to cancel the event as DDA did not give permission for the annual festival in Mehrauli’s Aam Bagh. The approval has been conveyed to the organisers, an official said. Following reports about the cancellation, Saxena had ordered an investigation. It revealed that the permission was delayed due to a forest and environment department direction on Nov 28, 2023, that prohibits the organisation of such a festival in the area, the official claimed. For a week every year, the centuries-old festival transforms Mehrauli with floral offerings at the dargah of Qutbuddin Bakhtiar Kaki and the Yogmaya temple. Kites fly, qawwalis are sung and wrestling matches are held. Each day, a particular activity takes place. DDA permitted the festival regularly till 2023 and had even facilitated its organisation in 2024, the official said. However, the organisers this time insisted on a written permission, which was issued after LG’s intervention. The permission has been given on the condition that no harm will be caused to the environment during the festival, said officials. The organisers said the event would be held in Feb-March next year. “We have not yet received any written or verbal communication from DDA regarding therequired permission,” said Usha Kumar, general secretary of Phool Walon KiSair, Anjuman Sair-e-Gul Faroshan. Another organiser noted that while the department earlier gave verbal assurances, there wasn’t enough time left for the extensive preparations. LG has urged action against the erring officials. “He has reiterated that any official found acting in deterrence to public interest will be punished,” an official said.
