Rs 503 crore go down the drain as Gurugram is flooded once again

It took 133 mm of rain on Wednesday to drown the government’s tall claims of waterlogging-free Gurugram this year. As the multicrore pre-monsoon planning fell flat, the city was flooded like every year and saw massive traffic congestions. The crisis has left everyone wondering as to why even after spending Rs 503 crore in nine years, Gurugram has failed to solve the waterlogging issue and is called “Jalgram”.

n Why is Gurugram

called ‘Jalgram’?

Gurugram has been given this title as the city gets heavily flooded during rain. Even a short spell of heavy rain leaves all major roads, residential areas heavily flooded. Visuals of floating cars, flooded underpasses and flooded posh homes go viral on social media each year, earning the name ‘Jalgram’ for the city.

n Why does Gurugram

flood every monsoon?

One of the key reasons for the crisis is the collapsed drainage system and absent storm water drains. Over time, the natural water channels in the city have been encroached upon and obstructed, exacerbating the situation.

The city’s unique topography — since it is surrounded by the Aravallis — also plays a role in the accumulation of water flowing from the hills to the low-lying areas. With extensive concrete surfaces, including roads and pavements, rainwater cannot seep into the ground. This runoff contributes to flooding during heavy downpours.

Clogged drains due to garbage, debris and construction material hinder the flow of water, exacerbating waterlogging issues. Certain areas in Gurugram have low-lying topography, making those more susceptible to water accumulation during heavy rain. The alteration of natural water flow patterns due to construction and land use changes can lead to unexpected waterlogging in areas that previously drained well.

n How has Gurugram coped

with waterlogging so far?

Municipal Corporation Gurugram has spent a staggering Rs 503 crore on the city’s drainage infrastructure over the past nine years. In the first quarter of 2025-26, MCG has so far spent Rs 15.7 crore on the repair, maintenance and development of storm water drains and sewerage lines in the city. In the last fiscal year, Rs 74 crore was poured into fixing and building new sewerage lines and storm water drains. But all these measures haven’t led to any change on the ground.

Haryana Tribune