Gurgaon seems to be caving under its own growth. Indiscriminate real estate development, non-existent infrastructure and official apathy — the list is endless. Pitched as the “model city” in the beginning, one that “all other cities in India would aspire to emulate”, the state government had worked overtime to market the city as the perfect investment destination. The lack of civic infrastructure, however, began creeping in soon after.

Almost non-existent storm-water drains and sewage system, frequent power breakdowns, traffic congestion, dismal public transport system — in a city that generates almost 40 per cent of Haryana’s earnings.

What is more, many upscale residential complexes in the township are yet to get regular power connections years after full occupancy and the city is yet to get a designated spot to dump the 375 tons of solid waste it generates everyday.

“Residents are facing many health problems and several cases of dengue have been reported in the area. All this is happening because of the negligent and callous attitude of municipal authorities,” Rajat Dogra, a resident of DLF city, said.

Upscale residential societies like Belvedere Towers in DLF Phase II and West End Heights lack a proper sewage system linked to the city line, and are forced to pump out their waste in open drains.

Rohit Sarin, a member of the DLF Residents’ Welfare Association, said the authorities initially acknowledged the issues. When residents complained about the illegal dumping of garbage, HUDA had contended that the dumping could not be stopped immediately for they had no alternate site.

... contd.