Gurugram’s Flooding: A Wake-Up Call for India’s Aging Cities

The recent deluge in Delhi-NCR, and particularly the scenes from Gurugram, have exposed a harsh reality: our cities are aging, struggling to bear the weight of their own growth. Like aging individuals, they can no longer handle the stresses of everyday life, faltering under the strain of heavy rains, scorching summers, and even the chill of winter.

Are Our Cities Failing Us?

While the population within these urban centers is young and vibrant, full of potential and drive, the cities themselves are falling short of meeting their aspirations. The daily grind, from 10 am to 5 pm, exposes the cracks in our urban foundations. Gurugram’s recent flooding serves as a stark reminder of this vulnerability.

A Call for Change

It’s time for a paradigm shift in how we approach urban development in India. We need to look beyond the immediate and address the systemic issues that make our cities susceptible to such crises. This article explores why Gurugram’s struggles are a warning sign for other urban centers across the country and the urgent need for a change in our approach to urban planning.