Gurgaon Sector 22B Residents Voice Frustration Over Decade-Old Road Neglect
In Gurgaon, residents of Sector 22B have raised serious concerns about the deteriorating state of their internal roads, highlighting that no significant repairs or recarpeting have been undertaken since the roads were initially constructed nearly ten years ago. This prolonged neglect has led to a host of problems affecting daily life and safety in the community.
Road Hazards and Safety Risks Escalate
According to local residents, the roads have developed extensive damage, including deep potholes, widespread cracks, and uneven surfaces. Motorists report that navigating these stretches has become increasingly challenging, significantly elevating the risk of accidents. Bhim Singh Yadav, the former president of the sector's Residents Welfare Association (RWA), emphasized the severity of the issue, stating, "Large potholes have appeared across several stretches. Drivers are forced to move slowly to avoid them, which increases the risk of accidents. We have raised the issue with the Municipal Corporation of Gurgaon (MCG) multiple times, but there has been no visible action on the ground."
Residents added that repeated complaints to the civic authorities have failed to result in timely interventions, leaving the community to cope with the worsening conditions.
Seasonal Challenges and Health Impacts
The situation deteriorates further during the monsoon season, when potholes fill with water, making them difficult to detect and posing additional hazards. In drier periods, temporary fixes using debris and loose soil only exacerbate the problem, leading to significant dust pollution. Naresh Yadav, a resident, explained, "The dust rises every time a vehicle drives over these patches. Children and elderly residents who step out for walks are affected most by it. There have been instances of elderly residents falling down while on their walk due to the uneven terrain."
This dust not only impacts air quality but also contributes to health issues, particularly for vulnerable groups like the young and old, who are more susceptible to respiratory problems and injuries.
MCG Response and Pending Infrastructure Work
An MCG official has acknowledged the complaints and provided an update on the planned repairs. The official stated that the process for road resurfacing has been initiated, with a tender already floated for the internal roads in Sector 22B. However, a critical hurdle remains: the replacement of an aging water pipeline in the area must be completed before resurfacing can begin to avoid repeated road cutting.
"The tender for pipeline replacement is currently under technical evaluation," the official noted, adding that the resurfacing work will proceed only after the pipeline project is finalized. This sequential approach aims to ensure long-term durability and minimize future disruptions, but it also means residents may face continued delays in seeing improvements.
Broader Implications for Urban Infrastructure
This case underscores broader challenges in urban infrastructure maintenance, where delayed repairs can lead to compounded safety and health risks. Residents' frustrations highlight the need for more responsive civic governance and proactive planning to address such issues before they escalate. As Gurgaon continues to grow, ensuring well-maintained roads is crucial for the city's overall development and the well-being of its inhabitants.
Moving forward, community members hope for swift action from MCG to resolve the pipeline and road issues, restoring safe and accessible pathways for all residents in Sector 22B.
