Gurugram’s Flooding Problems: A Call for Infrastructure Improvement

A sudden downpour has left Gurugram submerged and causing gridlock, as heavy rainfall caused traffic paralysis on major routes such as Sohna Road, Golf Course Road, and the Jaipur Expressway. Rainwater surged into homes across low-lying regions, transforming the city into a flooded area.

Frustrated residents took to social media to express their dissatisfaction with the city’s deteriorating infrastructure. Saurabh Singh, CEO at Appinventiv, highlighted the anger through a powerful post addressing what he perceives as ongoing mismanagement.

Saurabh expressed, “Purchasing a flat for 10 crore in Gurgaon should offer scenic views, yet 133 mm of rain over 12 hours completely shuts down Gurgaon. Despite the presence of Cyber Hub and DLF malls, just one hour of rain turns it into a submerged city. Gurugram loses ₹200 crore every year due to flooding. What’s amusing is that residents pay the highest property taxes in NCR and still have to navigate knee-deep water to reach their workplaces.”

He continued, “78% of construction in Gurugram since 2000 has occurred in flood-prone areas. They essentially designed a city where water naturally accumulates.”

Singh openly criticized civic negligence, lamenting, “The frustrating part is that every year the same situation arises—flooded streets and confusion. Yet, officials take no action to improve drainage or prepare for the monsoon season. Just one hour of rain turns everyday life into a nightmare for everyone.”

Pointing out the contrast between the city’s image and reality, he stated, “Gurgaon prioritised constructing fancy buildings while using drains as an afterthought. The consequence? Every rainy season, this ‘millennium city’ resembles a swimming pool. Gurugram’s fixation on being ‘premium’ reflects nothing but costly folly. Status symbols are meaningless if they cannot be used for four months each year.”

When comparing Gurugram to nearby Noida, he remarked, “Sure, Noida has its challenges. However, regarding lifestyle, traffic conditions, and affordability, Noida takes the lead. One can actually reach work during monsoons without needing a boat. The property prices in Noida remain somewhat rational, and the growth potential surpasses that of Gurugram.”

His remarks gained traction, resonating with others voicing similar frustrations.

One user commented, “This debate recurs every monsoon. Beyond income taxes, we pay various indirect taxes including GST, toll tax, vehicle tax, house tax, and stamp duty. This conversation resurfaces during electoral seasons as well. Regardless of the political party in power, the situation remains unchanged. It’s puzzling how even properties priced at 20 crore get snapped up quickly despite such subpar infrastructure. You accurately described the costly folly in Gurgaon as mere status symbol. Bangalore experienced similar conditions just days prior to monsoon. Delhi/NCR repeats the same scenario annually, and there seems to be no one to address it.”

Another user commented, “Gurugram is unsuitable for corporate living. Extensive waterlogging and flooded residential areas are prevalent. Moving to Noida would be advisable; it’s a well-planned city with minimal waterlogging, including Greater Noida.”