GURGAON: It has been five years since South City 1 was handed over to MCG, yet residents are struggling with flaws in basic civic amenities. Residents on Tuesday staged a protest against MCG, alleging it’s turning a blind eye to the civic woes in the society.
Roads, many of which are in a state of disrepair, are riddled with potholes. The lack of adequate street lights, residents said, exacerbates the situation, causing difficulties for them while commuting and posing a risk of accidents, particularly at night.
Residents further pointed out that the outdated and poorly maintained water supply infrastructure often leaves them facing disruptions in water supply.
Despite repeated complaints, no measure has been made to improve the situation, they added.
Holding placards with slogans such as “Har baarish sailaab aya, MCG takeover durbhagya laya” (Every monsoon brought floods, MCG takeover brought misfortune) and “Gaddhon se pareshaan, kab hoga samadhaan?” (Fed up with potholes, when will there be a solution?), residents accused the civic body of failing to address persistent issues severely affecting the quality of life in the colony.
A major concern raised by the protesters was the lack of desilting of stormwater drains and sewers, causing frequent waterlogging and unhygienic conditions, particularly during the monsoon season.
“Monsoons only mean trouble for us. Every other day, the sewer overflows and takes days to clear up,” said Ashwani Duggal, general secretary of South City 1.
Protesters alleged the MCG has failed to ensure regular and sufficient water supply, forcing them to rely on tankers and other alternative sources.
“Despite buying properties worth crores, our colony still lacks basic amenities. High property taxes are collected, but it does not reflect in services,” Duggal added.
Sanitation, too, remains a pressing issue. Residents claimed MCG’s inadequate arrangements for waste collection and disposal have led to unhygienic conditions and a higher risk of disease.
The indiscriminate cutting of trees to create entrances for houses and the encroachment of pavement areas by shopkeepers in Silokhra Market and hawkers outside South City Arcade also drew the ire of the residents.
“Pedestrians are left with no safe place to walk. There are frequent traffic jams on the main road of the colony. Shops in the market have now become inaccessible due to waterlogging and encroachment. Additionally, there is rampant dumping of mixed and C&D waste in the B block service roads, which MCG is not addressing,” said Savita Nagpal, a resident. The residents later met with the additional commissioner and chief engineer of the MCG, seeking prompt action to address their grievances.
Captain Raj Chopra (retd), president of South City 1, said, “Our demand is simple – regularise waste collection, ensure proper sanitation, provide 24/7 water supply, fix leakages, repair and maintain roads, footpaths, and streetlights. Around 38 people are deployed from MCG for cleaning, but no one comes, and they are drawing salaries without accountability. This is not acceptable at all.”
“We are not just complaining but are willing to work with MCG to find solutions. The civic body must acknowledge our concerns and take concrete steps to address them. We will not back down until our demands are met,” Chorpa added.
Manoj Yadav, chief engineer of MCG, said the matter was not brought to his knowledge till now. “However, I have met the residents and I have directed my officials to clean the drains immediately. The sewer issues will also be addressed swiftly, and the necessary machinery will be deployed soon. Sanitation issues will also be addressed by sanitary wing,” he said.
