Suhel Seth Slams Gurugram for Prioritising Liquor Vends Over Infrastructure

Gurugram's infrastructure issues have become a focal point of criticism, with businessman Suhel Seth labelling the city a "national shame." He urged Delhi's Lieutenant Governor to take control and address the city's governance problems. Seth highlighted the irony of calling Gurugram a smart city when basic services are lacking. "You can't have smart cities with unsmart leaders," he remarked.

The city's recent challenges were exacerbated by a severe downpour earlier this month, resulting in at least eight fatalities due to electrocution, open manholes, drowning, and road accidents. The heavy rain caused widespread flooding, traffic chaos, and overflowing sewage lines, revealing significant flaws in Gurugram's infrastructure.

Criticism from Prominent Figures

Former NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant supported Seth's critique, noting Gurugram's substantial tax contributions to Haryana. "If you can't maintain Gurugram, it's a massive failure of governance," Kant stated. The city's inability to manage its resources effectively has drawn attention from various quarters.

Seth also pointed out that Gurugram has more liquor stores than functioning traffic lights and more bars than schools. This imbalance highlights the local administration's priorities and underscores the need for better governance and accountability in managing public services.

Response from Authorities

Following Seth's remarks at an Indian Express event, he revealed on X (formerly Twitter) that Haryana officials contacted him. Rajeev Jaitly and Pradeep IAS confirmed that CM Nayab Saini had taken note of the situation and that action was being initiated. Despite these assurances, the city's problems persist.

The July rain-related deaths and flooded roads have intensified scrutiny on Gurugram's civic failures. For many residents, these issues are not just seasonal inconveniences but ongoing reminders of a city built on real estate ambitions yet plagued by neglect.

Seth's comments come amid growing concerns about Gurugram's urban sprawl and lack of accountability in governance. The city's chaotic development has led to poor public services and inadequate infrastructure, prompting calls for urgent intervention to restore order.

The situation in Gurugram serves as a cautionary tale for other rapidly developing cities in India. As urban areas expand, maintaining essential services and infrastructure becomes crucial to ensure sustainable growth and improve residents' quality of life.