Gurgaon Grapples with Power and Water Shortages
Gurgaon, a prominent city in the NCR, is experiencing significant power and water shortages, impacting residents and raising concerns about declining civic standards. Once considered a desirable location, the city now faces numerous challenges, including sanitation issues and mounting waste management problems.
Influx of Residents and Rising Demands
The presence of numerous multinational corporations (MNCs) in Gurgaon has attracted people from all over the country, driving up housing demand. However, existing residents now report insufficient access to both water and power. Allegations have surfaced against the civic body for inadequate waste management practices.
An HT-C fore survey revealed that nearly half of Gurgaon's residents express dissatisfaction with the city's civic standards. The disparity between water supply and demand is particularly pronounced during the hot summer months, leading to acute shortages in many areas. Compounding these issues, garbage dumped on the city's outskirts contributes to an overall decline in living conditions.
Power Deficiencies and Waste Management Concerns
Many areas rely on generators to compensate for power shortages. Residents complain about the civic body's failure to maintain acceptable living standards, particularly regarding solid waste management. The Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) predicts that the "Millennium City" will be overwhelmed by its own solid waste by 2021, projecting a staggering 450 metric tons generated daily. Residents, however, dispute the MCG's official waste generation figures.
Growing Gap Between Supply and Demand
The power shortage remains a significant concern. While daily demand reaches 1500MW, the Dakshin Haryana Bijli Vitaran Nigam (DHBVN) supplies only 900-1100MW. Projections indicate this deficit will worsen in the coming years.
Similarly, the Haryana Urban Development Authority (HUDA) provides only about half of the city's required 110MGD of water. With the population steadily increasing, the authorities face a daunting challenge in addressing these escalating infrastructure shortfalls. So far HUDA has no realistic solutions planned.