Bilkul Sateek News
Gurugram (Paridhi Dhasmana/Mohit Kumar), 23 April — For over two years, residents of Sushant Lok Phase 3, Sector 57, Gurugram, have been struggling with a severe sewage overflow problem that has turned their neighbourhood into a health hazard. The issue, which locals attribute to a surge in construction activity in the area, has resulted in accumulation of stagnant sewage water in front of homes, producing unbearable odour and creating conditions prone to diseases. Despite repeated complaints to the Municipal Corporation of Gurugram (MCG) and promises of infrastructure upgrades, no lasting solution has been delivered, leaving the community frustrated and worried about their well-being.
The problem began approximately two years ago, coinciding with increased construction in the nearby area, according to Goldy Malhotra, a resident of six years. “We’ve lived here for six years, but this problem only started when construction increased,” she said. “Now, we can’t even enter our homes without walking through filth, and the smell is pungent.” The stagnant sewage has become a breeding ground for mosquitoes, heightening fears of diseases like dengue. “It’s a health crisis waiting to happen,” Malhotra added.
Residents have lodged multiple complaints with the MCG, including a written appeal to Mr Ashok Kumar Garg, the commissioner of MCG, who once responded by sending a cleanup vehicle within 15 minutes. However, such efforts have proven short-lived. “The engineers themselves admitted that the main pipeline is too narrow and needs to be upgraded,” Malhotra explained. “A tender for the necessary work was passed over eight months ago, but no progress has been made.” Despite the acknowledgement of this issue by MCG officials, the sewage continues to overflow, reaccumulating within hours of any cleanup. “The water comes back within an hour after they clean it,” said Rakesh Saru, another resident. “It’s a never-ending cycle.”
The overflow’s impact goes beyond the households directly affected, disrupting daily life throughout the community. “We can’t even cross the road for a morning walk,” said Suman, another local resident. “They send a truck occasionally, but the water returns within two hours. We’re tired and frustrated after countless complaints with no results.” Farul, another community member, echoed this sentiment: “It’s absurd. We pay maintenance fees, yet our guests refuse to visit us because of the unhygienic conditions created by the sewage overflow in our area. Our children can’t even play outside.” Vidhi, a concerned parent, highlighted the health risks: “This dirty water keeps collecting right in front of our homes. It’s a serious infection risk for our children, but despite our complaints, nothing has changed.”
The residents’ frustration is deepened by the absence of a permanent fix. “It’s been far too long, and no one seems to be listening,” Farul remarked. “This is not what we expect from the MCG.” The community is now pressing the MCG to act swiftly on the pipeline upgrades promised through the tender issued eight months ago. “We need a permanent solution,” Malhotra concluded. “Our health and quality of life are at stake.”
This crisis isn’t confined to Sushant Lok Phase 3. Across Gurugram, similar civic issues persist, casting doubt on the claim of ‘Millennium City’ tag and exposing the growing gap between government promises and on-ground realities.
