India, Aug. 2 -- Overflowing garbage bins, open dump yards of waste, construction debris, and a stench that lingers in the air- is the grim reality for many residents of the Southern Peripheral Road (SPR) and Sector 55 stretch, once touted as premium locations in Gurugram. Despite flaunting high-rises worth crores, residents claim they are forced to endure a filthy environment due to the complete failure of sanitation services.

Ruchika Sethi Takkar, founder of Citizens for Clean Air, pointed out that the SPR is flanked by several prominent schools and residential areas. "Schoolchildren participate in Swachhata events, hear speeches about cleanliness, and watch politicians wielding brooms, but the reality is strikingly different. Roads an...