India, Sept. 10 -- Overflowing sewers, chronic waterlogging, gaping potholes, erratic power and water supply, and mountains of unattended garbage have trapped residents of Sector 5's Sheetla Colony in what they describe as "virtual house arrest." Locals said only the brave dare to step out, for every outing means navigating filth, stench, and civic breakdown.

Repeated complaints, some even filed with the Chief Minister's grievance window, have resulted in little more than cosmetic fixes. The deeper structural malaise, residents say, remains untouched.

"Nothing has changed in 15 years," said Satveer Rana, a long-time resident. "During the monsoon, we are prisoners inside our own homes. The stench is unbearable, relatives stop visiting, a...