3 Things Why Gurgaon floods, India's inequality, and V S Achuthanandan passes away
Jul 22, 2025
Joining the discussion are Shiny Varghese, an urban development writer for The Indian Express, and Udit Misra, an economics reporter at the same publication. Shiny dives into Gurgaon's flooding crisis, linking it to poor urban planning and the area's rapid transformation. Udit unpacks India's economic inequality, critically analyzing government claims and the complexities of wealth distribution. Lastly, they honor the legacy of V.S. Achuthanandan, a significant political figure in Kerala, reflecting on his storied life and contributions.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Gurgaon's Urban Transformation Story
- Gurgaon transformed from a cluster of villages into an urban hub through Sanjay Gandhi's initiative with Maruti Suzuki in the late 1970s.
- DLF and other real estate firms acquired land piecemeal, leading to fragmented development and shaping modern Gurgaon.
Poor Planning Causes Flooding
- Gurgaon’s flooding issues stem from ignoring natural water flow directions and topography during construction.
- Roads built against the water current and fragmented land acquisition caused severe waterlogging challenges.
Flood Mitigation Strategies
- Manage road gradients to allow water to naturally flow away and implement swells and French drains for water percolation.
- Develop green patches and convert unused spaces to absorb rainwater, reducing flooding during monsoon seasons.