Questions raised over alleged charges from women’s groups, ground allocation, sound levels and safety
Almora: BJP leader Kiran Pant has raised several questions regarding the arrangements, safety measures and financial transparency associated with the historic Nanda Devi Fair in Almora.
Pant said that the Nanda Devi Fair is an important religious and cultural event of Almora, attracting large numbers of devotees, local residents and visitors. She said that along with maintaining its cultural character, the fair authorities must also ensure safety, transparency and accountability.
She particularly raised questions regarding the participation of women and women’s cultural groups in the fair. According to Pant, women’s groups contribute significantly to the cultural programmes, but there are concerns about money allegedly being collected from such groups in the name of providing a stage.
Pant said that there have been claims that ₹25,000 to ₹30,000 is charged for certain star-night programmes, while this year there are reports that amounts of up to ₹60,000 may have been sought from women’s groups. She stressed that if such amounts have actually been collected, the fair committee should publicly clarify the basis of the charges, the amount collected and the manner in which the money was utilised.
Questions Over Allocation of School Ground
Pant also questioned the process through which a school ground is made available for the fair and subsequently allotted for different programmes.
She asked under which rules and permissions the school ground was provided to the fair committee. She further questioned whether the committee subsequently allocates the same ground to other organisations or groups for higher amounts.
According to Pant, the entire process should be transparent, including the amount paid to the school, the amount charged from other groups and the purpose for which the revenue is utilised.
Reference to Last Year’s Death
Pant also raised the issue of the death that followed an assault during last year’s fair. According to published reports, Hem Chandra Soradi was injured during an altercation during the September 2025 fair and later died while undergoing treatment. Police had registered a case against unidentified persons and initiated an investigation.
Pant questioned whether adequate lessons had been learnt from the incident and whether security arrangements had been strengthened sufficiently for subsequent fairs.
“Who Is Responsible?”
Pant also raised concerns over loud sound systems operating late into the night, saying that local residents have been facing inconvenience.
She questioned whether the directions issued by the authorities and the courts regarding permissible sound levels are being properly enforced.
Pant called for greater transparency in the fair committee’s financial dealings, ground allocation, programme-related charges and safety arrangements.
She said that the Nanda Devi Fair represents Almora’s religious and cultural heritage and that its reputation can be protected only through proper safety measures, transparency and clear accountability.
