Uncertainty looms large over 124th edition of annual Ooty flower show

But, uncertainty looms large over the conduct of the iconic show, scheduled to start on May 15 due to COVID-19 fears.

“Currently, about 30 to 35 per cent of flowers are in bloom in the Government Botanical Garden. And in a week, the entire range of flowers will come to full bloom, almost ready on time for the flower show.

Also, about 15,000 flower pots are ready for display. Yet, it is undecided whether to conduct or cancel the show,” said Shiva Subramaniam Samraj, Joint Director (in-charge), Horticulture Department, The Nilgiris

The administration is likely to take a call on conducting the flower show after May 3, once the lockdown ends. “Nevertheless, orders are awaited from the government whether to go ahead with the summer festival or not,” said District Collector Innocent Divya.

With just a fortnight left for the flower show, final arrangement works including gardening, maintaining pots and mowing the garden’s lawns have gathered momentum in the Government Botanical Garden.

“Though the garden is fully geared up to host the 124th annual show, it is unlikely to have imported flowers this season due to lockdown restrictions. Even if held, this summer fest may not be extravagant like in the previous years as large gatherings are restricted,” said another official of the Horticulture Department.

Meanwhile, the lockdown mode has forced the tourism industry into doldrums. “There were suggestions from some organisations to have floral displays on streets in order to avoid crowding inside the garden during the flower show. It was even discussed at a meeting to provide e-pass to tourists and hygiene protocols to be followed by the hotel industry to avoid infections. Still, even if restrictions are relaxed, it may take a few more months for leisure tourism to pick up in the hill district,” said T Krishnaraj, president of the Nilgiris Hotel and Restaurant Owners Association.

The hotel industry which has been staring at huge loss due to empty occupancy has sought tax reliefs from the government to overcome the COVID-19 pandemic crisis.

“At this time of the year, the hotels used to be buzzing with up to 90 per cent occupancy. Unfortunately, this season we are struggling to even pay salaries for workers and pay power bills,” he added.

For people across India, Ooty used to be perfect getaway to beat the heat during peak summer. “Every year, the months of April and May used to be the peak season, when large number of tourists flock to the hill station. About 2.5 lakh to 3.5 lakh tourists visit Ooty during the month of April alone. Of that, about five to 10 per cent constitute foreign tourists arrivals, said Shiva Subramaniam Samraj.

As part of the summer fest, besides the flower show, there will also be fruit show at Sims Park in Coonoor, vegetable show at Kotagiri, rose show at Government Rose Gardens and spice show at Gudalur.