Raahgiri expected to be back in November

Gurugram: Reclaim your roads was a popular slogan that had been raised to create interest among the residents of Gurugram to participate in Raahgiri initially. Presence of large number of citizens in the subsequent events held every Sunday meant that the slogan instantly connected with thousands of citizens.

On October 22 (Sunday), the last edition of this unique event was organised and it was felt that the slogan of reclaiming roads would be lost. For many who were distraught over the closure of the concept of roads without cars, the spirit can again be revived with the state government promising to help in revoking the event.

State Public Works Department and Badshapur MLA, Rao Narbir Singh has assured the organisers that the event will not be allowed to close down indefinitely and there will be assistance in bringing back the event in November.

Considered to be a unique initiative to create a society that is less dependent on its cars, Raahgiri gained immense popularity among the residents. Lack of funds however indicated that it will be closing down in the city where it has originated from. In a city where the levels of interaction were also less, Rahhgiri was credited for bring many citizens together.

With huge number of people of all age groups coming in, most of the corporates also began sponsoring the event. Taking cue from its smaller neighbour, even Delhi organised the event at Rajiv Chowk two years ago.

Lack of interest among the participants, no further addition of sponsors and lack of assistance by public authorities resulted in the announcement of it closing down. After the announcement, most of residents expressed displeasure and highlighted that how this closure would affect not only Gurugram but even other urban areas adversely. Many citizens also beseeched the public officials that this unique and innovative concept should not be allowed for such a sudden and abrupt ending.

"It's great that citizen power has again trumped and the district officials was forced to take note of the issue. It is important that we must try to expand this unique and beautiful concept to other parts of the city as well so that more can join in the movement," said Seema Tandon, a city resident