Huge cost of development

When I shifted from Delhi 12 years ago, there was lush green all around and was removed from high-rise apartment culture. Kunwer Sachdev writes.

When I shifted from Delhi 12 years ago, there was lush green all around and was removed from high-rise apartment culture. I miss those weekends, when I, along with my kids, would cycle on the Gurgaon-Faridabad road.

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We came here to get respite from the never-ending hustle and bustle of the national capital. But soon, our dream of leading a stress-free life soured. The teeming population and haphazard infrastructure have added woes to our lives. Almost all multinational companies have set up offices here.

Many developers have come up with high-rise apartments. There was a time when we would drive to Delhi to eat out, but now Gurgaon has better restaurants and malls than Delhi. Those are a big attraction for people in neighbouring towns who come in droves leading to more traffic chaos and pollution.

Earlier, it was national highway 8 that made life miserable for us.

But now with the highway chaos creeping into city roads, people who once had a sound night sleep crave for a nap. Besides, the continuous honking of vehicles has stressed out residents. Except for the expressway, all roads in the city are bad.

Gurgaon has earned Haryana a name on the global map. It plays host to many star-studded shows and parties. But the satellite town is also infamous for its rising crime rate. The police should keep vigil.

The concerned authorities must also work to reduce pollution and ensure that Gurgaon does not turn into another Delhi, which was earlier regulated by court orders.

The Millennium City comes under the seismic zone and authorities should keep tab on the rising number of multi-storey apartments. They must ensure building by-laws are strictly followed.

(The writer is the managing director and CEO of Su-Kam Power systems and a resident of Greenwood City, Gurgaon.)