The Kigwema Youth Organization (KYO), led by its president Neiphrezo Thorie, has appealed to the government and concerned departments to improve infrastructure and coordination for the Hornbill Festival parking arrangements at Kigwema Ground. Since 2024, the ground has served as a designated parking space for festival visitors.
Thorie highlighted that the unpaved and dusty condition of the ground remains a major challenge. “Because the ground is not concrete, we have to sprinkle water almost every day. Many visitors have complained about the dust,” he shared. The situation is worsened by the narrow entry point, which makes it difficult for larger vehicles like buses to enter the parking area. KYO has appealed to the government to expand the entry gate to ensure smoother movement of vehicles.
Despite harsh conditions, including strong winds and extreme cold, KYO has deployed 40–50 youth volunteers to manage parking and traffic flow. About 20 volunteers are stationed within the ground, while others work along the highway to ensure seamless traffic.
“Because of the cold weather, many of our volunteers are also falling sick, but we continue to do our best,” Thorie said. The team works in three shifts to manage the load.
The president urged the public to avoid littering and help keep the area clean. He also stressed the need for advance planning from the government and departments involved. “Last-minute preparations are hectic. Everything needs time. We also fall short on our side because of the rush. In the future, advance arrangements will help us cooperate better.”
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Although the ground was fully occupied only on the seventh day of the festival, KYO had prepared alternative spaces in case of overflow. However, many visitors remained unaware of the designated parking spots and the availability of a free shuttle bus, leading to unnecessary congestion on the highway. “Some members of the public do not listen to our volunteers, and this causes traffic jams,” Thorie added.
Currently, the Kigwema Ground accommodates around 600–700 vehicles daily. Parking fees are kept minimal at ₹50 for four-wheelers and two-wheelers for the entire day, and ₹100 for buses.
As KYO continues its service through the festive season, the organization hopes that with proper planning, coordination, and infrastructural improvements, future editions of the Hornbill Festival will be even smoother for both visitors and volunteers.
