LAHORE: The Punjab government ignored the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) forecast for rain on the days finalised for holding of the Horse and Cattle Show 2015, thus risking the success of Rs420 million event. The show, held after a gap of 11 years, faced difficulties on its very first day, as the inaugural ceremony was delayed. The rain started early in the morning and continued almost all day. There was a thin attendance at the opening ceremony and the people attending it pointed fingers at the decision of holding the event on rainy days. “The Sports Board consulted us a week before the event and we informed the officials in writing at a meeting that there were chances of heavy rains on the proposed dates,” said Meteorological Officer Akhtar Mahmood. “We can only provide information and can’t ask the government to change dates of any event. The weather forecast time has its limits and we cannot predict any weather conditions a month prior to any event,” he added. However, when we were consulted, we did warn the government of rainy weather, he said. The stadium has limited seats covered under a shed for the VIPs, and over 80 per cent of the seating area meant for the general public has no shelter against rains or any harsh weather conditions. The performers have also to suffer a lot. After waiting for long for their turn, they had to perform in the rain because there was no way out for them obviously. Though they were reluctant to express their discomfort, they could not help hesitantly admit that some of them were facing health problems after performing in rain. Accommodating the cattle brought in from different parts of the province was another problem which the administration and management of the event had to face. “These are no ordinary animals; they are the best of the best we’ve raised and we pamper them as our children. I’m really worried about its health and honestly it does not look too good,” said one of the owners of the cattle. The state of affairs at the Jillani Park section of the festival too was blemished by weather as the attendance at the joyrides, shopping stalls, activity and food stalls was very then. The stall-owners expressed their concerns over poor earnings due to bad weather. Out of total four days, three had been marred by rain while the session on Saturday had to be cancelled due to rain. Friday was the only day when it was a clear day. The Met Office has predicted thundershowers for Sunday (today) which may jeopardise the final day proceedings and the closing ceremony, planned by the organisers. Repeated efforts were made to contact Secretary Local Government on his mobile number to ask about the government’s version, but he did not receive the call.
