Nagpur: Nearly 6,000 people flocked to Futala Lakefront on Independence Day evening expecting the musical fountain’s reopening show, only to be disappointed after discovering that no public show had been scheduled.According to officials, several reels and social media posts circulating ahead of Independence Day claimed that the fountain was reopening or that an inauguration would be held, prompting families and other visitors to head to the lakefront.Police had anticipated the usual Independence Day turnout of a few thousand visitors, as Futala Lake typically draws large crowds throughout the day. However, the unexpected surge in footfall during the evening put traffic and crowd-management arrangements under strain.Ambazari police station senior PI Vinod Godbole told TOI that thousands arrived under the impression that a public fountain show had been scheduled. The influx disrupted traffic around Futala, with the impact extending to Amravati Road and Telangkhedi Road. Police managed both vehicular movement and the crowd before gradually dispersing the visitors.“We explained to visitors that there was no fountain show. Once we told them no show had been planned, they blamed the viral posts and left. No untoward incident was reported,” Godbole said.MahaMetro officials clarified that there had been no announcement inviting the public to Futala. The 10-minute light-and-sound exercise conducted on Saturday evening was an internal test as restoration work remains underway. ‘Vande Mataram’ and a specially curated patriotic medley were played while the newly installed lighting and audio systems were checked. The viewing gallery remained closed.“The fountain is currently being targeted for opening around November. Once a date is finalised, information regarding its opening and public access will be communicated through official channels. We request citizens not to trust unofficial sources,” a senior MahaMetro official said.Sources associated with the restoration said Saturday’s test could not be extended because the 250 newly installed Italian LED fixtures are designed to operate underwater, which helps regulate their temperature.Since restoration is still underway and the lights are being tested outside their intended operating conditions, they can heat up rapidly and cannot remain switched on for prolonged periods.
