Residents fume as sewage woes persist in Gurugram’s Sushant Lok Ph-3

According to residents, the issue has not only disrupted daily life but also exposed broader civic failures

Published on: Apr 22, 2025, 07:50:17 IST

By Leena Dhankhar

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A prolonged sewerage blockage in Sushant Lok Phase 3, Sector 57, has sparked growing frustration and health concerns among residents, with the Municipal Corporation of Gurugram (MCG) and Gurugram Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA) facing criticism for delayed action despite formal complaints.

Overflowing sewerage in Block B of Sushant Lok Ph-3. (HT Photo)

Residents say a complaint filed on April 6 through the MCG-GMDA complaint handling system has yielded no results so far. The sewage water, blocked and stagnating outside homes in Block B, which houses 110 residents, is reportedly producing a strong stench and increasing the risk of mosquito-borne illnesses, especially as the breeding season sets in, according to locals.

“We were under the impression that this colony would offer high-quality, hygienic living. But our hopes have been shattered,” said Goldy Malhotra, a resident of Block B. “The stagnant, stinking water makes it nearly impossible to step outside. We have been facing this for two years, and despite repeated complaints—including the latest one on April 6—no real action has been taken,” he added.

According to residents, the issue has not only disrupted daily life but also exposed broader civic failures. Vacant plots have turned into dumping grounds for construction debris, worsening sanitation woes. “The roads are in poor condition, strewn with garbage and rotting leaves, and encroached upon by tea vendors and others. The water supply is erratic, and power cuts are frequent. Is this the so-called smart city of Haryana?” questioned Arun Raj Malhotra, another resident.

While Municipal Corporation of Gurugram (MCG) commissioner Ashok Kumar Garg acknowledged the complaint and said that action was underway, residents claimed otherwise. “We have allocated staff to address the sewerage issue in Sushant Lok-3 and ensure that remedial measures are carried out swiftly. The matter is being monitored and will be resolved on priority,” Garg added.

However, locals maintain that no official has visited the site despite the complaint being assigned to two MCG officials. The delay, they argue, is indicative of a larger pattern of civic neglect. “Where can one go to address these genuine problems when there is no help from the government departments?” said Roshan Sethi, another resident.

“With monsoon season approaching, residents are demanding both immediate redressal and a long-term sanitation strategy in line with the city’s urban development goals,” said Rakesh Sapru, a resident.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Leena Dhankhar
Leena Dhankhar is Senior Editor and Bureau Chief, Gurugram, at Hindustan Times, where she has spent over 17 years chronicling the transformation of one of India's fastest-growing urban regions. From starting her career as a crime reporter to leading the Gurugram bureau, her journalism has been defined by investigative reporting, in-depth storytelling and an unwavering focus on public interest. Over nearly two decades, she has reported extensively across crime, politics, civic governance, elections, real estate, environment, courts, sports, education and entertainment, covering Gurugram, Faridabad, Nuh and Palwal. Her reporting has exposed several major scams and systemic failures, including insurance frauds, waste management irregularities, illegal arms manufacturing units in Nuh, illegal mining in the Aravallis, organised crime networks and governance lapses affecting millions of residents. Known for her investigative work and exclusive stories, Leena has reported on high-impact national issues, including the Nicaragua charter flight carrying Indian migrants that was turned back amid allegations of human trafficking, exposing the growing network of illegal immigration rackets. Her work has also focused on gang wars, prison administration, juvenile crime, women and child protection systems, the functioning of the Juvenile Justice Board and Child Welfare Committee, and environmental challenges such as pollution, waterlogging and deteriorating civic infrastructure. Beyond hard news, Leena has extensively documented Haryana's rich heritage, forests and wildlife, bringing attention to the state's historical landmarks, biodiversity, conservation efforts and ecological challenges through immersive reportage and feature writing. Her journalism has consistently gone beyond breaking news. She has documented Gurugram's rapid urbanisation through long-form narratives and enterprise reporting on issues ranging from pothole-ridden roads, flooding and waste management to the changing social fabric of India's Millennium City. She also writes widely read feature columns, including The Outsider, Changemaker, and Concern for Gurugram, profiling people, places and ideas shaping the city's identity. Leena is the author of Gurugram School Murder, published by Juggernaut Books, a deeply reported account of one of India's most high-profile school murder investigations. She is currently working on her second book, an investigative work exploring some of India's most significant scams and fraud investigations. Beyond print journalism, she has expanded her storytelling through public speaking and digital media. She is a TEDx speaker and has produced podcasts exploring Gurugram's transformation, civic challenges and untold stories. Her work reflects a commitment to narrative journalism that combines rigorous reporting with compelling storytelling. A law graduate with an MBA in Human Resources, Leena brings a multidisciplinary perspective to her reporting, particularly on governance, public policy and legal affairs. She has travelled extensively across India to pursue investigative assignments, often reporting from remote locations and conflict-prone areas in search of stories that matter.Read More

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