Residents of South City 1 are voicing their frustration over the neglect of basic civic amenities, five years after the area was handed over to the Municipal Corporation of Gurgaon (MCG). Persistent issues, such as pothole-ridden roads, inadequate water supply, and poor drainage, have significantly affected their daily lives. A recent protest saw residents holding signs and demanding immediate action from MCG, highlighting the disrepair of roads, sanitation concerns, and frequent flooding during monsoons. Despite meeting with MCG officials and receiving assurances that these issues would be addressed, residents remain cautious but hopeful that their demands will lead to concrete improvements in their living conditions.
Residents of South City 1 are voicing their frustrations over the neglect of basic civic amenities, five years after the area was handed over to the Municipal Corporation of Gurgaon (MCG). Earlier this month, community members gathered to protest the ongoing issues that have significantly affected their daily lives. Holding signs with slogans like "Har baarish sailaab aya, MCG takeover durbhagya laya" (Every monsoon brings floods, MCG's takeover brought misfortune) and "Gaddhon se pareshaan, kab hoga samadhaan?" (Fed up with potholes, when will there be a solution?), they called for immediate action from local authorities.
One of the primary complaints raised during the protest was the shocking state of the roads, which are filled with potholes and are in dire need of repair. Residents expressed that poor road conditions not only make commuting difficult but also heighten the risk of accidents, especially during night hours when inadequate street lighting exacerbates the hazards. Ashwani Duggal, general secretary of South City 1, expressed frustration over the daily challenges faced by residents. He noted the poor maintenance of the roads and voiced concerns about safety while travelling.
In addition to disrepair of roads, residents are facing problems with the water supply system. Many are forced to rely on tankers due to disruptions in the regular water supply. The water supply infrastructure is reportedly outdated, leading to consistent complaints but little action from MCG. Many residents are concerned over the amount of property tax collected, suggesting that the services provided do not match the fees.
Another critical issue highlighted was the lack of proper drainage, which has resulted in frequent waterlogging, especially during the monsoon. The drains have not been desilted in recent years, leading to unhygienic conditions. Local leaders say this neglect creates an environment for potential health risks. Savita Nagpal, a longtime resident, lamented the recurring flooding in her neighbourhood. Whenever it rained, the area transformed into a lake, and the cleanup process would take days.
Sanitation issues compound these problems, as inadequate waste collection methods have resulted in unsanitary conditions. Residents pointed out that mixed waste and construction debris are often dumped in service roads, making the area unsightly and unhygienic. Furthermore, the increase in encroachments by shopkeepers is blocking pedestrian pathways, making it hard for residents to move around safely.
In the wake of the protest, the residents met with officials from MCG, including the additional commissioner and the chief engineer, to voice their concerns.
Following the protest, the chief engineer of MCG assured the community that the necessary machinery would be deployed to address the problems of sanitation and drainage swiftly. He also assured residents that the problems related to sewer lines would be addressed swiftly.
As the situation develops, residents remain hopeful that their voices will be heard and that MCG will respond quickly to their needs. They emphasise the importance of civic engagement in improving their community's living conditions and are determined to work with local authorities to find effective solutions.
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