With Haryana govt's help, Raahgiri returns home

Gurugram: It was a huge moment of joy and relief for hundreds of citizens of Gurugram as Raahgiri on Sunday returned to the city where the event was originally started.

Taking note of the enthusiasm which the event generated, Gurugram deputy commissioner Vinay Pratap Singh attended and addressed a huge gathering of the citizens.

"Raahgiri has proved to be extremely beneficial and gone beyond the objective of creating awareness on road safety. Ever since its inception in 2013, it has evolved and gained immense popularity.

"It was only this popularity that resulted in it again coming back to the city where it all started," said the Deputy Commissioner.

Considered to be a unique initiative to create a society that is less dependent on its cars, Raahgiri had gained immense popularity among the residents.

Lack of funds, however, has ensured 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, Raahgiri that was held on Sunday was also credited for bringing many citizens together. There are now plans to extend the event to other parts as well so that more citizens can participate.

Ever since it has been launched, it is being held at DLF Phase -4 near Galleria.

With huge number of people of all age groups coming for it, corporates also began sponsoring the event.

Taking cue from its smaller neighbour, even the Delhi organised it at Rajiv Chowk two years ago.

Loss of interest among the participants resulted in no further addition of sponsors and lack of assistance by public authorities resulted in the announcement of its closure.

After the announcement, various residents expressed their displeasure and highlighted that how this closure will affect not only Gurugram but even other urban areas adversely.

Various citizens also requested the officials that this unique and innovative concept should not be allowed to come to an abrupt end in November last year. It, however, got a new lease of life after the Haryana government decided to pour in funds to revive the event.