Gurugram, Oct. 15 -- Once known as one of Gurugram's most well-planned neighbourhoods, Sector 56 is now struggling with broken roads, erratic water supply, and uncollected garbage. Residents allege that repeated complaints to civic authorities have gone unheard, leading to widespread frustration and prompting citizens, including foreign residents, to begin restoring order on their own. "Driving through Sector 56 has become a nightmare. The main road connecting Golf Course Road to the HUDA market is riddled with potholes, and during rains, it turns into a swamp. It's a daily struggle to commute," said Sudhir Bhardwaj, a resident of HUDA Plots. Another resident, Vivek Lamba, echoed this, stating, "HUDA market is one of the biggest markets of Gurugram and looks impressive on map, but the reality on ground is different. The road leading to it feels like a caterpillar ride." Beyond poor roads, residents have flagged inadequate street lighting and damaged footpaths as major safety hazards. "A few streetlights were installed near Hewo 2. MCG officials even came and clicked photographs, but the work was left incomplete. No lights were installed further down the road," said Lamba. "It's simply not safe for women and children to walk on that road after dark. We don't have the option to take a different route... our home is along that stretch," said Shivani Dixit, another resident. The situation for pedestrians is equally dire, locals said. "There are no proper footpaths on several main roads, and where they do exist, they are broken or encroached upon," Lamba added. Residents express anger over the civic neglect, especially given the area's proximity to premium localities and the taxes they pay. "We are paying high property taxes, but look at our roads. The drains are clogged, streetlights don't work, and garbage piles up for days. The smell is unbearable, especially near the market," said Bhardwaj. In response to the official apathy, a group of expatriates living in Sector 56 launched a weekly cleanliness campaign. "This is about much more than sweeping for a few hours. It's about showing that ordinary people can change their surroundings. When people see us cleaning, they stop and think, perhaps that pause will inspire a change in attitude," said Mathilde Rateria, a 38-year-old French expatriate. She noted their connection to the city, stating, "Gurugram is home for us too. Clean streets benefit everyone -- residents, workers, and visitors alike. This is our way of giving back to the city that has welcomed us." The volunteers collected over 300 kilograms of plastic and non-biodegradable waste and plan to hold similar sessions every weekend, she added. Water shortage remains another critical issue. "Water comes for just a few hours a day, often with very low pressure," said Bhardwaj, noting that most households rely on costly private tankers. "Despite several complaints to the Gurugram Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA), there's been no improvement." Residents also allege contamination. "Sometimes the water smells and looks dirty. It's shocking that in a city like Gurugram, people still need to boil water before drinking," said Dixit. In response, GMDA officials claimed they have not received any official complaint. Sewage and drainage problems compound the sector's woes. Lamba pointed to open sewage near the Max Hospital construction site as both "an eyesore and a health hazard." Bhardwaj cited irregular cleaning of sewer lines, recalling, "During the monsoon, we had to clean the drains ourselves because of severe waterlogging. It's a citywide issue, and it's high time they fixed it for good." Officials from the Municipal Corporation of Gurugram (MCG) attributed delays in repairs to jurisdictional overlaps. "Some stretches of Sector 56 fall under GMDA, while others are maintained by MCG," said a senior MCG engineer, requesting anonymity. "We have floated tenders for patchwork repairs, and the work will begin soon. Garbage collection frequency is also being increased." Another MCG engineer confirmed a tender was issued for road repairs near the HUDA market, noting, "HUDA market was recently transferred to MCG after being under HUDA plots for nearly a decade. During that time, no one raised concerns. But within the next six months, you will begin to see significant improvements." Joint commissioner Ravinder Malik asserted waste collection was on schedule, adding, "If there are any additional complaints, I will personally visit the site to ensure the issues are addressed." GMDA officials, however, clarified that their responsibility is limited to master roads and drainage systems. "Internal maintenance lies with MCG. We are working to improve inter-departmental coordination so that issues can be addressed more effectively," an official said anonymously. Residents remain deeply unconvinced by these assurances. "MCG has provided temporary solutions, but not permanent ones," said Bhardwaj, adding, "It has turned into more of a photo opportunity for social media rather than genuine, on-the-ground action." Resident Welfare Associations have now decided to escalate the issue to the deputy commissioner's office and the chief minister's grievance portal, while also demanding an audit of all civic works finished over the past three years. RWA president Rajpal Singh confirmed that numerous complaints have been filed, yet "most of our woes remain unresolved." The sentiment of neglect is pervasive. "I've lived in Sector 56 for 10 years, yet even basic amenities are still lacking. It may be marketed as Millennium City to outsiders, but the reality here is far from that," said resident Ajit Jyani. He issued a challenge to the authorities, stating, "Gurugram's citizens have shown they care. Now it's time the authorities matched that commitment with real action."...