‘Gurgaon is a city developing along Mumbai’s pattern’

The earlier we realise, the better it may be for Gurgaon. With the number of settlers who have taken an interest in this part of NCR, the stress on civic and social infrastructure is on the rise. The city however does not fail to impress and accommodate the growing population. Magicbricks reached out to Vikas Gupta, municipal commissioner, Gurgaon and SS Chauhan, senior town planner for an insight into how authorities are chalking out solutions to ease pressure on the existing physical and social fabric.

“With the constantly expanding floating population herein, there is increased pressure on water lines, sewerage and sanitation, power supply and transport network. Despite this, more and more settlers regard it as a global city. The need of the hour is to realise that the model of development to be followed in Gurgaon is way different than any other city,” says Chauhan.

“Gurgaon is fast developing as a job hub exactly like Mumbai.  Increased influx of settlers/professionals could lead to a problem of slums or pocket living and the cost of living is way too high for the aam aadmi. These are issues we are addressing,” adds Chauhan.

Quite futuristic in its working, the corporation has made plans for various developments in Gurgaon. These include addressing safety, security issues especially during the night, installing street lights at dark spots, service laning of expressways and ensuring city bus services for a wider audience. Other measures include new underpasses at Sohna, HUDA City Centre, IFFCO Chowk, drainage and sewerage lines (at Hero Honda Chowk), points out Gupta.

For residents who may have been looking for some kind of transport convenience in the face of rising congestion, Gupta says, “We are also planning on extending the metro/rapid metro lines up to what is considered as Old Gurgaon today.”

That’s not all. Now that almost every netizen is talking about Smart Cities, perhaps the corporation has considered what would go in to make the city technologically advanced. Very soon, free wi-fi hotspots will come up at Leisure Valley, Mehrauli-Gurgaon Road, Sarhaul areas and as per tentative timelines, two to three months is the stipulated time.  However, Chauhan insists, “The way the concept of Smart Cities is made out to be is a myth.  It just refers to the ease of living. How easy would it be for a commoner to use the existing resources provided to him? That is being smart and shouldn’t be confused with a concept where robots would lead the play.”

To address the issue of water supply, a survey has been conducted on pilot basis to understand the feasibility of providing 24/7 water supply in three areas under corporation’s jurisdiction- Badshahpur, Chakkarpur and Saraswati Enclave. As per sources, a private agency has been roped in to study this project and the major challenges they are facing is the issue of aging pipelines.

While Mumbai may be a dream for many, we surely wouldn’t want to replicate what went wrong with the city. Gurgaon, ‘A city of hope’ as Chauhan calls it, looks forward to a better and planned future.

SOURCE: Magicbricks