French woman calls Gurugram ‘unliveable', questions civic apathy in scathing post
She painted a grim picture of the city's civic state, writing, 'If you dare to step out of your home, you can try to walk through sewage and people's poop, die on the road trying to make your way out of your streets, or end up electrocuted while you are coming back from work.' Mathilde also pointed out that poor waste treatment systems were 'killing cows' and polluting nature, while neighbouring countries thrived with better urban management.Take a look at her post here: Her post sparked debate online. Several users raised similar complaints about waterlogging, open drains, and garbage piling up due to an acute shortage of sanitation workers, while others defended the city and its infrastructure. See the comments here: Earlier this month, former Jet Airways CEO Sanjiv Kapoor also criticised Gurugram's civic authorities, sharing pictures of waste-strewn roads in Sector 44. His post, which showed cows scavenging through piles of rubbish, highlighted the growing frustration among locals. Read the full article here. - EndsMust Watch
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News18
an hour ago
- News18
French Expat Says Gurgaon's Infrastructure ‘Resembles Post-War Zones'. Internet Says ‘We Agree'
Last Updated: The French woman compared the private and public infrastructure of Gurgaon, highlighting how the private spaces are thriving. A French woman living in Gurgaon has joined author and businessman Suhel Seth in criticising the poor state of the city's public infrastructure. The woman, who is married to an Indian man, shared that she loves living in the country, but is completely disappointed with the 'unlivable" conditions of the city. Taking to her X account, she reposted a video shared by Storyboard18, where the popular author was seen talking about 'urban decay." He said, 'We have led ourselves to an era of unimaginable urban decay. Look at all our major cities, they are poster boys of the worst misery that you can inflict on a city." Sharing the video, the French expat wrote, 'I couldn't agree more. I live in India and truly cherish it, but I've seen cities like #Gurugram deteriorate into near-unlivable conditions. Many of my foreign friends no longer wish to visit." She pointed out that Gurgaon has excellent private spaces, but the public infrastructure looks like it belongs in a 'post-war zone." She added, 'And yet, at the same time, India is home to incredible brands—Vistara, Oberoi, 32 Avenue….along with outstanding designers, restaurants, and beautifully curated private spaces. Unfortunately, the public infrastructure in places like Gurugram increasingly resembles that of post-war zones or underdeveloped nations." The French woman further urged the citizens to speak up and demand basic facilities that are necessary for living a healthy life. 'Citizens must demand their rightful access to clean and walkable public spaces—something that is considered a basic standard around the world, essential for both physical health and mental well-being," she mentioned. I couldn't agree more. I live in India and truly cherish it, but I've seen cities like #Gurugram deteriorate into near-unlivable conditions. Many of my foreign friends no longer wish to visit. And yet, at the same time, India is home to incredible brands—Vistara, Oberoi, 32… — mathilde R. (@MathildeRa77404) July 30, 2025 Here's How Internet Reacted A user wrote, 'It's crazy ! Like very surprising to see. It means that India can make it and has beautiful infrastructure. So why not in the streets and roads too?" Another person said, 'Absolutely agree." What Did Suhel Seth Say About India's Deteriorating Infrastructure? On the other hand, in the video, Suhel Seth, who has been vocal about Gurgaon's infrastructure, said, 'Our roads are dug up, the drainage is inadequate. Every year we know the monsoons will hit us, and every year there is flooding… it seems no one cares." He mentioned that the media raises such issues from time to time, but these conditions have become an 'annual ritual" in the country. He continued, 'Cities and their leaders must recognise the damage that this is causing. So when you see headlines in international newspapers saying that people couldn't get to work because of floods, you begin to imagine how India is talking about being the 4th largest economy, a 4 trillion dollar economy in the future, when basic hygiene, basic infrastructure is so miserable." He then called cities like Mumbai, Gurgaon, Bangalore and Madras 'hell holes", highlighting how for some the living conditions are comfortable and the rest have come to terms with the reality, without questioning the authority. The author added that this reality must change in the country, otherwise it would be a 'damage to brand India." Suhel Seth then blames the people in power, from politicians to bureaucrats, and even citizens, for accepting such miserable living conditions. view comments Location : Delhi, India, India First Published: August 02, 2025, 08:21 IST News viral French Expat Says Gurgaon's Infrastructure 'Resembles Post-War Zones'. Internet Says 'We Agree' Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Time of India
21 hours ago
- Time of India
A Gurugram resident filed a complaint on Swachhata App—The internet reacts
In a city where civic issues often take time to be addressed, a recent experience shared by a Gurugram resident has brought attention to the effectiveness of the Swachhata App. The user reported multiple garbage dumping sites in their locality and was surprised to see action being taken within the same day– an outcome that has sparked both appreciation and conversation online. Complaint filed in the morning, cleaning in progress by evening The incident came to light after a local Reddit user shared their experience on the subreddit r/Gurgaon with the title: 'Peak Gurgaon Moment, I Posted on Swachhata App and it worked.' The user said they had reported three garbage dumping spots in S Block, Sector 24, where trash and discarded furniture had been lying untouched for over a week. 'For the last week, the garbage and discarded furniture were lying in the same place with no hope for cleaning,' the user wrote. 'Yesterday, I read about this Swachhata app and, with zero hopes, I posted three complaints this morning.' To their amazement, the results were visible within hours. 'In the evening, I came to the balcony. Two of those spots were already cleaned, and the last big one, where tons of garbage had been thrown, was being cleared by a tractor trolley and workers,' they added. Calling the experience 'literally amazing,' the user said they were genuinely impressed by the quick turnaround. Reddit post: Social media users react with interest and skepticism The post sparked responses from other residents, some praising the app's effectiveness, others pointing out delays in their own cities. 'I'm definitely going to try this out too,' one user wrote, showing interest in using the platform. Another added, 'Didn't work for Delhi. Added a few weeks back, no response. Ticket still open.' Some residents flagged persistent issues. One user commented, 'Anyone tried this for that major dump near Ardee Mall? The one that blocks two lanes?' Others focused on awareness, with one saying, 'This app needs more visibility. How can we get more people to use it?' Gurugram's waste woes under the spotlight While such prompt action is not always the norm, concerns over sanitation in Gurugram have been raised consistently by residents over time. According to a report by India Today, earlier this month, a French national who had been living in the city for several years voiced her concerns on social media, describing the local living conditions as challenging and expressing frustration over ongoing cleanliness issues. What the Swachhata App is designed to do As per sbmurban(dot)org, the Swachhata App, introduced as part of the Swachh Bharat Mission , is a digital tool that enables citizens to report sanitation and solid waste-related issues. Each complaint is geo-tagged and directed to the relevant municipal authorities for action. Times of India has not independently verified the claims made in the post. All views attributed to social media users are personal opinions and do not reflect the official stance of the publication. Thumb image: Canva (for representative purposes only)
Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- Hindustan Times
Chinar from France survives Delhi weather, Chinese camphor struggles
In October 2023, saplings were planted at Nehru Park in New Delhi's diplomatic enclave Chanakyapuri to mark India's year-long G20 presidency, seen as a reflection of the country's ascendance on the global stage. Chinar tree planted at Nehru Park in New Delhi's Chanakyapuri. (RAJ K RAJ /HT PHOTO) Envoys and representatives of the member nations planted saplings of national significance after the leaders of the G20 nations gathered in New Delhi for the grandest event the city had hosted since the 2010 Commonwealth Games. A chinar, perhaps Delhi's lone such tree, now stands out among those planted in 2023 at the park under the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) jurisdiction. It has defied the adverse hot weather and grown 10 feet high two years after the French envoy planted it. The chinar also survived an insect attack and has grown woody with new sprouting branches. The Netherlands' apple tree is also flourishing. Chinar (Platanus Orientalis) and apple trees commonly thrive in cool regions such as Kashmir. Also read | Delhi breathes its cleanest July air in 10 years Most of the plants are doing well despite challenges such as bugs and squirrels. Experts have, meanwhile, pointed out that the one identified as African mahogany (Nigeria) is jamun (Syzygium cumini). A weeping willow from the UK and the US's queen crepe myrtle were on the verge of becoming full-scale trees. The German winterlinde and Australian golden wattle have also responded well. Each tree requires a different climate and environment to thrive. Their natural habitat ranges from the Mediterranean and desert to tropical and subtropical environments. Squirrels, insects, and rain posed significant challenges to the growth of the trees. Olive trees from Italy and Spain were doing better. Two date palms from Egypt and Saudi Arabia have adapted well, growing up to six feet. Some of the trees have not been as hardy in the face of Delhi's extreme weather. A leafless frankincense (Oman) appears dead. The silver tree from South Korea has barely grown. A mango sapling from Bangladesh and a yellowwood (South Africa) have almost dried up. Environmentalist Pradip Krishen, the author of the book 'Trees of Delhi', said the idea of introducing exotic species has never worked well. 'They may survive, but they will never thrive. This is likely to be the case with the Chinar,' Krishen said. He said the plant shown as African mahogany (Nigeria) was a jamun. Faiyaz Khudsar, who heads the Delhi Development Authority's biodiversity parks project, also said that the plant appears to be jamun and not African mahogany. Chandan Tiwary, who has been documenting trees in Delhi, said he was surprised to find a jamun growing where an African mahogany tree should have been. 'Most trees are doing well. The chinar has grown. The olive trees also appear to be doing well. On the flip side, the silver tree is having a hard time. The Chinese camphor laurel is also struggling, but is likely to survive,' Tiwari said. He added that several trees were not doing so well a year back. 'A lot of them had dried up back then. Some are likely to have been replaced with new saplings,' he said. An NDMC official said that the civic body had no role in the plantation or replacement of the saplings, and that they were only involved in protecting and basic upkeep. 'The ministry of external affairs (MEA) got these trees planted through an external agency. They brought the of these plants have done well with chinar becoming a unique addition to the garden.' There was no immediate response from MEA. People familiar with the matter said the plant shown as mahogany was indeed brought from Nigeria. The Nigerian high commission did not respond to queries on the matter. The saplings were kept in a double-layered protection, including a four-foot metallic cylindrical tree guard and a six-foot cuboidal geonet contraption bolted shut from all sides with the help of a white net. Most of the plants have outgrown the protective mini-enclosures. The top layer of the closed nets has been removed, as the plants have settled down.
