Is Gurugram Overwhelmed by Options? Discover How Too Many Choices Affect Life in the City

Gurugram is once again facing major flooding. A recent downpour brought 100 mm of rain in just four hours, leading to terrible traffic jams, flooded streets, and chaos in this bustling city. It feels like a yearly event now. Climate change is making these extreme weather patterns more common across India, with heavy rains causing the Yamuna River in Delhi to overflow regularly.

Every year, residents express anger on social media, blaming the government and poor infrastructure for the problems. But this outrage is often short-lived. After a few days, life returns to normal, and the cycle begins again—until the next flood hits.

The reality is that Gurugram’s floods are not just about bad weather or government failings. These floods are rooted in human decisions—decades of reckless urban growth, lack of environmental care, and a complacent public.

The city’s growth has destroyed the natural systems that once helped manage rainwater. The Aravalli hills, which provide essential ecological balance, have been compromised. These hills once held groundwater and allowed rainwater to seep into aquifers. However, significant land has been cleared for roads and luxury buildings. Now, much of the area is classified as a groundwater “dark zone,” where water extraction is far greater than the natural replenishment.

Interestingly, the very properties with views of the Aravalli hills are marketed as premium. Few buyers question their existence in these environmentally sensitive areas. Awareness often awakens only after heavy rains lead to flooding in basements and garages.

A key example of this crisis is Najafgarh Jheel, a seasonal lake that used to act as a natural flood outlet for Gurugram. This area has been threatened by rapid urbanization. Organizations like the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) have attempted to petition for its protection, but the state government has resisted, arguing over its classification as a wetland. Despite satellite data indicating that the lake expands significantly during monsoons, the debate continues with little public urgency.

It’s perplexing that in a city with so many educated and well-connected citizens, there is little outcry against the destruction of natural spaces. If such environmental degradation goes unchallenged here, what does that mean for other cities?

Historically, Gurugram had a robust system of 63 check dams designed to manage water flow effectively. Today, only four remain, with the rest lost to encroachment and construction. Natural drainage paths have been replaced by concrete buildings, leading to flooding in streets and homes.

Illegal construction continues unchecked in the Aravallis, violating both Supreme Court rulings and environmental regulations. Even the nearby Bandhwari landfill, which has been operating since 2008, continues to pollute the surrounding areas.

Residents are not unaware of these issues. Many are educated and well-informed. Yet, they often choose to buy homes built on reclaimed wetlands or ignore ongoing projects in gold-sensitive areas.

The next time floods hit Gurugram, we must reflect on our own role in this situation. Did we question the decisions made about land use? Did we speak up when forests were cleared or when wetlands were drained? Or did we simply scroll past these issues?

If citizens had voiced their concerns consistently—if they had rejected environmentally harmful projects—the current mess could have been prevented. But the allure of short-term gains has overshadowed long-term sustainability. This has led to a heavy price paid in flooding and lost ecological heritage.

Gurugram’s struggles stem from collective choices. Until residents hold themselves accountable alongside their government, the cycle of flooding and disruption will continue.

Ritu Rao from the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) highlights these important issues, reminding us of the responsibilities we share in protecting our environment for future generations.



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Haryana,gurugram,Monsoon 2025