• Source:JND

The impact of the accident at the Surajkund International Self-Reliant Crafts Fair on Saturday was clearly visible on Sunday, with thin crowds at the venue till around noon. Even four hours after the fair opened, the main plaza and smaller plazas remained largely deserted. However, once information spread that the fair had reopened, tourists began arriving, and by afternoon, the situation changed dramatically, with heavy crowds filling the premises.

Fair authorities claimed that more than 2.25 lakh visitors attended the fair on Sunday. Officials estimate that between January 31 and February 8, over 7.20 lakh tourists may have visited the fair.

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"Over 15 lakh tourists had arrived in the 38th edition, whereas this time, in just 9 days, 7.28 lakh tourists have become a part of the fair. The upcoming Valentine's week is expected to further increase the number of tourists, which could lead to the fair breaking all previous records", PTI quoted Heritage and Tourism Minister Dr Arvind Sharma.

The ninth day of the fair began in a sombre atmosphere. At the main plaza, officials from the Haryana Tourism Department, police personnel, staff members, and tourists observed a two-minute silence in memory of Police Inspector Jagdish Prasad, who lost his life while saving people during the accident at the fair. After the tribute, scheduled programmes at the main plaza resumed.

All evening events at the main plaza had been cancelled following the accident, but were restarted at 2 pm on Sunday. Mathura-based artist Girdhar Gopal Sharma opened the programme with devotional songs, followed by a performance by magician CP Yadav. Cultural performances by artists from India and abroad drew large crowds, and by 3 pm, the main stage area was packed, with spectators standing even in the last rows.

After 3 pm, the crowd increased significantly across the fairgrounds. Food courts and handicraft stalls witnessed heavy footfall, with stall operators reporting brisk business from the evening onwards. Vendors said that while the fair opened at 9 am, there was hardly any crowd until noon, raising fears of poor business. However, footfall picked up after 1.30 pm, bringing relief to shopkeepers.

"In light of the recent unfortunate incident, the swing area has been temporarily closed as a precaution pending further investigation. Authorities are reviewing safety standards rigorously. All other cultural, craft, food, and entertainment events within the festival complex remain safe and are operating smoothly," the authorities said in a statement.

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Meanwhile, the area where the accident occurred remained sealed on Sunday. The damaged swing was removed, all amusement park stalls were shut, and public entry into the area was prohibited. The road leading to the amusement park was also closed, and police personnel were deployed in and around the site to maintain security.


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