Rain unmasks civic lapses, Gurugram reports waterlogging at 154 locations

Despite multiple review meetings, site visits and promises of a waterlogging-free Gurugram, Sunday’s early morning rains once again exposed the city’s fragile infrastructure. Over 154 locations across the city reported severe waterlogging, leaving residents fuming and civic agencies scrambling to respond.

Heavy rain in the early hours submerged streets, parks and even homes in several areas — many of which had recently been flagged as vulnerable during ministerial visits by Union Minister MP Rao Inderjit Singh and state Minister Rao Narbir Singh.

The only relief, this time, came from a relatively swift response by the Municipal Corporation of Gurugram (MCG), which drained water from 63 sites within two hours and 21 more sites shortly thereafter. However, officials admitted that long-term and structural issues remain unresolved in many areas.

“Yes, there was waterlogging in many parts of the city, but our teams were prepared. The entire MCG workforce was in the field and we coordinated with GMDA to get the city moving again within a few hours,” said Pradeep Dahiya, MCG Commissioner, while talking to The Tribune.

He said areas requiring short-term solutions like drain cleaning will be addressed this week, but the worst-hit zones need multi-agency structural interventions. The Commissioner also took disciplinary action, suspending a Junior Engineer for negligence that led to prolonged flooding in a park in upscale Sector 15 Part 2.

Residents acknowledged the improved response but expressed frustration at the recurring crisis.

“The question isn’t how quickly water is drained but why we face waterlogging year after year. It’s the same spots and the same issues —nothing changes. After every spell of rain, there are meetings, mock drills and inspections, but they lead nowhere. Gurugram’s waterlogging crisis is deepening,” said RWA Federation of Gurugram

State Minister Rao Narbir Singh said the government was taking the matter seriously and would act against negligence. “We have sought a detailed report of waterlogged areas and the reasons behind them. Our target is to eliminate such issues before the monsoon begins,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Congress slammed the BJP-led government, demanding accountability from Chief Minister Nayab Saini.

“It’s high time the CM explains why Gurugram faces the same issue every year since 2016. Every year, more areas are added to the list. If they’re spending money and making plans, they should share the details publicly so people know whether to expect results or not,” said Pankaj Dawar, senior Congress leader.

Haryana Tribune