Gurugram: Sector 84 residents to boycott poll over terrible state of road

Tribune News Service

Gurugram, August 28

Amid growing frustration over poor road infrastructure, residents of various housing societies in Sector 84 have decided to boycott the Vidhan Sabha elections. Residents are outraged by the deplorable condition of the approach road, for which they have been requesting repairs for over a year. In response, they have launched a “no support, no vote” campaign, putting up posters outside Spaze Privy Society with slogans like “Support Nahi To Vote Nahi” (No support, no vote) and “Kripya Yahan Vote Mangne Ka Kasht Na Karein” (Please do not bother asking for votes here). Other societies are expected to put up similar posters in the next two days.

“The road serves as access to at least four societies, and residents endure a nightmare every time they leave their homes. Despite investing heavily in their flats, they are denied the basic right of a safe access road, which frustrates us all. Residents of Gurugram pay all taxes and tolls but are not a priority for anyone. If that’s the case, why should we bother to vote?” said Praveen Malik, President of the United Association of New Gurugram.

The road in question provides access to four societies — Spaze, SS Coral World, Diwan Housing and Gurgaon One. It also serves as a connecting route between Sectors 84 and 85 and the Dwarka Expressway, linking Sikanderpur and Sihi villages. The road is plagued with craters and is often filled with overflowing sewage.

Residents report frequent accidents and note that school buses, cabs and delivery services often refuse to operate on this route. “The road is a nightmare, locally known as ‘gadhe waali sadak’ (the donkey road). Most cab drivers cancel bookings, delivery personnel complain and school buses are reluctant to pick up children, asking parents to drop them off elsewhere. This has led to numerous accidents, particularly at night, and many residents have suffered serious injuries. We have sought help from various sources but to no avail. If our votes cannot resolve our issues, why should we contribute to the tally of any politician? We have lost hope and expectation from them, and they shouldn’t trouble themselves travelling here,” said Rajat Pardal, RWA president of Spaze 84 Society.

The road falls under the jurisdiction of the Manesar Municipal Corporation (MC) since 2022. The MC has stated that they have initiated the tendering process for the construction of drainage, road repairs and installation of streetlights at an estimated cost of Rs 3.25 crore.

‘Why should we vote?’

Most cab drivers cancel bookings, delivery personnel complain and school buses are reluctant to pick up children, asking parents to drop them off elsewhere. If our votes cannot resolve our issues, why should we contribute to the tally of any politician? — Rajat Pardal, RWA president, Spaze 84 Society