Numaish ready with foolproof arrangements to welcome visitors at Hyderabad

Hyderabad:Exhibitions are fleeting moments, nevertheless magical. In Hyderabad, however, they are a source of perennial entertainment, as New Year dawns with the biggest trade fair in tow. The much looked forward to, and most inexpensive show, Numaish, is all set to unveil on January 1.

The 80th edition of the All India Industrial Exhibition promises to provide a fun-filled experience to visitors in a secure environment. Wiser by the fire mishap that occurred last year, the Exhibition Society has spent a whopping Rs 3 crore to modernise and upgrade its fire fighting machinery. “One can go round the exhibition without any worry,” said Etela Rajender, President of Exhibition Society and Telangana Minister for Medical and Health.

Giving details of the fire safety measures, he told presspersons here on Sunday that fool-proof arrangements have been made to ensure a pleasant experience. The Exhibition Society has gone in for its fire-fighting infrastructure by creating two underground sumps of 1.50 lakh litre capacity each, with underground pipelines spread over an area of two km. As many as 80 fire hydrants, each with 30 metres flexible hose has been installed to reach every stall. Also in place are diesel-cum-electric power pumps in each sump besides fire extinguishers at every booth. Apart from this, two fire tender trucks and four fire-fighting motorcycles will be stationed. A command and control centre equipped with audio-visual and wireless communication will monitor the whole thing.

There will be just 2,000 stalls this year as against the usual 2,500. The authorities have reduced the number to create more lung space and ensure free movement for fire tenders. Stall owners will not be allowed to cook food on kerosene stove as a safety measure, Mr Rajender said.

He said they had taken care to provide auto glow signage in English, Telugu and Urdu to indicate entry and exit points. Besides, the organisers have also provided locator maps and information about the local police station, fire station and hospitals for speedy evacuation in case of emergency. In addition to the three gates, six emergency exit gates will function. About 40 persons have been trained in fire-fighting operations. There will also be a strong posse of 500 trained-personnel to handle internal security.

Despite the massive expenditure incurred by the Exhibition Society, there will be no hike in the entry ticket. It remains at Rs 30 like last year. For children below five years, entry to the exhibition will be free. For the fifth year in a row, parking will also be free for both two-wheelers and four-wheelers, according to Aditya Margam, the publicity advisor.

With just two days left for Numaish, hectic activity is on at the sprawling exhibition ground. Traders from different parts of the country are busy setting up their stalls. Apart from web streaming of the show and the usual free Wi-Fi facility, the Exhibition Society plans to surprise visitors with colourful fountains and more green space this time.

The 46-day carnival has become a part of the Hyderabad tradition, and you can’t think of the New Year without the Numaish. It is a record of sorts that the show has been held for the last 79 years without a break. Started with just 50 stalls in 1938, the ‘Numaish Masnuaat-e-Mulki’ has grown beyond the wildest dreams of its founder, the seventh Nizam Mir Osman Ali Khan. It has also grown in content and coverage to assume an all India stature. That it draws visitors by the thousands daily, despite the presence of many shopping malls and multiplexes speaks of its popularity and durability.

In keeping with the tradition, the Exhibition Society has planned to hold the Ladies Day on January 7 and Children’s Day on January 31. Apart from this, the usual cultural programmes such as mushairas, well-baby show, cookery, and rangoli competitions are lined up to bedazzle visitors. Telangana Home Minister Mohammad Mahmood Ali and Minister for Animal Husbandry T Srinivas Yadav will inaugurate the exhibition at 5 pm on Wednesday.