In December 2022, the Voice of Citizen Survey was conducted to gather insights directly from the people of Gurugram on key issues affecting their day-to-day lives. This survey aimed to provide a platform for citizens to express their concerns, highlight the strengths of their communities, and suggest areas for
improvement. With 598 responses collected from across the city’s colonies, the results paint a comprehensive picture of the challenges and opportunities faced by Gurugram’s residents.
Purpose and Scope of the Survey
Gurugram, known for its rapid urbanization and growth, faces unique challenges that come with its transformation into a metropolitan hub. The Voice of Citizen Survey aimed to delve into the core concerns of residents, from infrastructure to public services, providing valuable feedback to policymakers, civic bodies, and resident welfare associations. The survey was designed to cover a wide range of topics, allowing residents to voice their satisfaction levels with key civic services, infrastructure, and the overall quality of life in Gurugram.
Key Findings
The results of the Voice of Citizen Survey revealed a range of insights across several categories. These categories reflected the pressing issues residents face and their overall satisfaction with how these concerns are being addressed.
1. Administration Satisfaction
One of the primary areas the survey focused on was the satisfaction of residents with the administration’s performance. A significant number of respondents expressed their dissatisfaction with how various government bodies handled local issues. Issues related to responsiveness, transparency, and efficiency of the administration were highlighted as major concerns. Many citizens felt that their grievances, especially regarding infrastructure and basic services, were not being addressed in a timely and effective manner.
On the other hand, some colonies reported positive interactions with local officials, especially where resident welfare associations (RWAs) were more active in collaborating with authorities to address issues like waste management and street lighting.
2. Infrastructure and Public Utilities
The survey results clearly indicated that infrastructure is a top concern for most residents of Gurugram. Many respondents expressed dissatisfaction with the condition of roads, drainage systems, and water pipelines. In particular, complaints about poorly maintained roads and inadequate sewage systems were recurrent themes. Additionally, issues related to irregular water supply and frequent power cuts were highlighted, indicating the need for more robust infrastructure planning and execution.
Gurugram’s rapid growth has placed tremendous pressure on its existing infrastructure, and many residents feel that the pace of development has outstripped the capacity of public utilities. The survey results emphasized the urgent need for investments in upgrading the city’s infrastructure to meet the growing demands of its population.
3. Waste Management
Waste management was another area of concern highlighted in the survey. Many colonies reported irregular garbage collection and inadequate waste disposal systems. Respondents expressed frustration over the lack of proper waste segregation and recycling initiatives, with many calling for more environmentally sustainable waste management solutions. The results pointed towards the need for a more coordinated and comprehensive approach to tackling waste management, including better monitoring and stricter enforcement of waste disposal guidelines.
4. Safety and Security
Concerns about safety and security were also voiced by a significant number of respondents. While some colonies reported adequate policing and security measures, others highlighted issues related to inadequate street lighting, unmonitored access to gated communities, and a lack of visible police presence in certain areas. Several residents expressed the need for more robust community policing initiatives and better collaboration between RWAs and law enforcement agencies to ensure the safety of all residents.
5. Education and Health Services
The survey also sought feedback on residents’ satisfaction with education and healthcare services. While Gurugram boasts several top-tier educational institutions and hospitals, the survey revealed a gap in access to affordable services for many residents. Some respondents noted that while private schools and hospitals offer high-quality services, they are often beyond the reach of middle- and lower-income families. There were calls for the administration to focus on improving the quality and accessibility of public schools and hospitals to ensure equitable access to essential services.
6. Public Transport and Mobility
One of the more pressing concerns revealed by the survey was the inadequacy of public transport options. Many respondents expressed frustration over the lack of reliable public transport, especially in the outer colonies and newly developed sectors. The survey indicated a growing demand for improved connectivity, including more frequent bus services, better metro coverage, and safer pedestrian pathways.
The issue of traffic congestion was also a recurring theme. Many residents highlighted the need for better traffic management systems, particularly during peak hours, to ease the flow of vehicles and reduce travel time. Poorly maintained roads, combined with the lack of traffic signals in key intersections, were also cited as contributing factors to Gurugram’s traffic woes.
Conclusion and Way Forward
The Voice of Citizen Survey provided valuable insights into the concerns and priorities of Gurugram’s residents. While there are undoubtedly challenges ahead, the survey results also pointed towards opportunities for improvement through better collaboration between citizens, RWAs, and local government bodies.
As Gurugram continues to grow, addressing key issues like infrastructure, waste management, and public safety will be crucial to ensuring that the city remains a livable and sustainable urban center. The feedback collected through this survey should serve as a guide for policymakers and civic leaders, helping them make more informed decisions that reflect the needs and aspirations of the city’s residents.
By fostering a more transparent, responsive, and citizen-centric governance model, Gurugram can take the necessary steps towards becoming a model city that balances growth with sustainability and quality of life. The Voice of Citizen Survey is a reminder that the people of Gurugram are ready and willing to be active participants in shaping the future of their city.
