Heavy Rain Wrecks Gurugram: Internet Users Dub City 'Jalgram'
On Sunday, August 11, Gurugram, the financial and technology hub of Haryana, became a trending topic on social media as residents shared alarming pictures and videos of severe waterlogging. The situation unfolded after heavy rains lashed Delhi and its adjoining areas, causing significant disruption in the ‘Millennium City’, which is part of the national capital region.
🚨🚨🌧️ Flash floods in #Gurugram #Gurgaon millennium city turns Jalgram. 70 percent of revenue in #Haryana but city still to get even basic drainage.🌧️🌨️⚡#HaryanaPunjabWeatherAlert #Rain #HeavyRain #FLoods pic.twitter.com/zpgK1VRcfK
— Kuldeep Rawat (@KuldeepRawat730) August 11, 2024
Residents Criticize Infrastructure and Authorities
Social media was flooded with posts showing residents wading through waist-deep water and water seeping into upscale homes. Many users criticized the city's infrastructure, coining terms like "Jalgram" (Water Town) and "Kudagram" (Garbage Town) to highlight the extent of the flooding and poor civic conditions. Areas such as Golf Course Road, known for its luxury flats, were particularly affected.
These are dream homes of #Gurugram #Gurgaon Multi crore houses that people see andntear to own turn into this in #Rain. The very own floating houses with floating furniture. By know we know @OfficialGMDA @MunCorpGurugram @cmohry
— Sumedha Sharma (@sumedhasharma86) August 11, 2024
can't change anything.@NayabSainiBJP please… pic.twitter.com/EPmH4YQxkW
Calls for Accountability and Action
In their posts, users tagged various authorities including the Gurugram Municipal Corporation, Gurugram Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA), and the deputy commissioner’s office. Complaints were also directed at the Haryana government and the Chief Minister’s office. Critics accused civic officials of failing to ensure adequate drainage systems despite substantial annual spending on infrastructure. Some users even suggested that officials' pensions and salaries should be withheld and that financial losses should be recovered from their assets.
#Rivers of #Gurgaon pic.twitter.com/01OgAK8QSB
— Nivedita Khandekar (@nivedita_Him) August 11, 2024
Additional Concerns and Reports
Besides the waterlogging, several reports highlighted issues such as road cave-ins and damage to sewerage systems across the city. A video posted by a user showed a road in Sector 52 littered with garbage, further intensifying the public outcry over the city's deteriorating conditions.
A drive down this road in sector 52 refutes all claims of mega sanitation drive in #Gurugram #Gurgaon.Its a marsh of garbage which commuters have to bear in rains of Kudagram. @cmohry @NayabSainiBJP @Rao_InderjitS #Haryana govt needs to walk.the talk here pic.twitter.com/8PAm9ioyih
— Uttam Yadav (@Uttamveeryadav) August 11, 2024
