Revival of Raahgiri on the cards as funds pour in

Gurugram: Citizens of Gurugram can once again think of reclaiming their streets, with the popular Raahgiri initiative bound to get a new lease of life.

After being ceased due to lack of funds in November last year, there is now hope that the initiative will be revived, with funds beginning to flow in.

Recently, Haryana Cabinet minister Rao Narbir Singh had approved Rs 10 lakh to the organisers of the event.

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, had ensured that it would be closing down in the city where it had originated from.

In a city where the levels of social interaction are also minimal, Raahgiri – which used to be held every Sunday – was also credited with 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 had been launched, it was regularly held at DLF Phase-4, near Galleria.

With a huge number of people of all age groups coming in, most of the corporates also began sponsoring the event.

Taking a cue from its smaller neighbour, even Delhi had organised the event in its central district of 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 it closing down.

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

Various citizens also beseeched the public officials that this unique and innovative concept should be allowed to come with such a sudden and abrupt ending.

"It great that citizen power has again trumped and the district officials were 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.