Gurgaon: Hundreds of visitors had to negotiate a slippery, waterlogged approach road through Aravalis to the venue of the 77th state-level Van Mahotsav, which was inaugurated by CM Nayab Singh Saini on Friday. The event, held under sprawling tents in Manesar, marked the second phase of the state-level plantation programme.The designated parking area was around 300 metres from the venue, forcing visitors to walk through an unpaved stretch that had turned slushy after continuous rain.Loose soil along parts of the approach road made the path slushy, with many attendees walking cautiously and helping one another cross the muddy track. Some paused repeatedly to avoid losing balance.Rain continued for most of the event. By the time the programme ended, long queues of people carrying umbrellas were seen wading through puddles. Schoolchildren in uniforms, women in traditional attire and elderly visitors were among those struggling through the muddy path.Vehicles also moved slowly through waterlogged patches near the parking area as motorists looked for firmer ground. Several two-wheelers and cars slowed down considerably because of the muddy surface.“It took us more than 30 minutes to reach the venue than expected. The entire stretch from the parking area had turned into a slush after the rain. It was difficult to walk without slipping,” said Asha, who had travelled from Gurgaon’s Sector 56 to attend the programme.“There should have been a proper walkway or temporary flooring. Especially, elderly people and children found it difficult to cross the muddy stretch,” said Mohan Lal, another attendee.“We were worried someone would fall because the soil had become very soft. Every step had to be taken carefully,” said Punit Yadav, who accompanied family members to the event.Despite the difficult conditions, a large number of people continued to arrive for the plantation programme, with many choosing to walk through the rain rather than turn back.The event was held at a time when Haryana is promoting large-scale plantation drives and environmental conservation, but Friday’s rain exposed the lack of adequate access arrangements at the venue.
