Author and columnist Suhel Seth strongly criticised the situation, describing the repeated flooding as an “absolute shame.” He questioned why residents of a city promoted as a major corporate and “smart city” hub continue to face waterlogged roads, traffic disruption and serious safety risks year after year.
Residents Face the Same Crisis Every Monsoon
According to the concerns highlighted, heavy rainfall frequently overwhelms Gurugram’s drainage and sewerage infrastructure. Flooded roads bring traffic to a standstill, disrupt daily life and can create dangerous conditions, including the risk of electrocution.
Seth argued that governments and municipal authorities repeatedly promise improvements before or during the monsoon, yet residents continue to experience the same problems.
He also questioned what message such conditions send to businesses and investors when one of India’s prominent corporate centres struggles with basic urban infrastructure.
Corruption and Accountability Questioned
Among the major concerns raised by Seth were alleged corruption and poor oversight in the granting of building licences and permissions. He questioned whether uncontrolled construction and inadequate planning have contributed to the city's infrastructure problems.
The principal issues highlighted include:
Repeated waterlogging and flooding during the monsoon.
Risk of deaths and injuries from electrocution in flooded areas.
Severe traffic congestion and disruption to commuters.
Repeated promises by governments and civic authorities without lasting solutions.
Alleged corruption in the granting of building licences.
Inadequate drainage and sewerage infrastructure.
Lack of accountability despite repeated public complaints.
“Why Should It Take So Long to Fix Drainage?”
Seth questioned why a country with highly capable engineers and technical expertise has been unable to permanently address Gurugram’s drainage and sewerage problems.
He called upon the Prime Minister, the Haryana government and civic authorities to recognise the seriousness of the situation and ensure that basic infrastructure is repaired and upgraded rather than relying on temporary measures every monsoon.
A Larger Question About Urban Governance
The Gurugram waterlogging controversy is about more than flooded streets. It raises broader questions about rapid urbanisation, infrastructure planning, construction approvals, maintenance of drainage networks and accountability of public authorities.
Residents of rapidly developing cities have a legitimate expectation that essential civic infrastructure should keep pace with construction and population growth. Where failures recur year after year, authorities should transparently identify their causes, publish remedial plans and establish responsibility for delays or negligence.
Conclusion
Gurugram is one of India's most visible corporate and technology centres, but recurring monsoon flooding continues to expose weaknesses in its basic infrastructure.
The message emerging from the criticism is straightforward: citizens should not have to accept waterlogging, dangerous roads and infrastructure failures as an unavoidable part of every monsoon.
Public authorities must move beyond promises and deliver measurable improvements in drainage, sewerage, road safety and urban planning. Allegations of corruption or improper licensing should also be investigated through appropriate official processes, with responsibility established on the basis of evidence.
The people deserve functioning infrastructure, transparency and accountability—not another year of the same promises.
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