Gurugram, March 21 -- When Meenakshi Kapoor moved to Gurugram from Bengaluru 10 years ago, the skyline looked very different. What were once open fields have given way to clusters of high-rise buildings as the city rapidly expanded over the years. The 45-year-old, a resident of Orchid Petals in Sector 49, said her journey as a reiki healer began after she met a friend involved in spirituality and energy healing. "After attending one of her workshops, I decided to pursue this profession," she said. Kapoor recalls visiting Gurugram in 2007, long before she eventually moved to the city. When she returned in 2016, she said she was struck by how dramatically the landscape had changed. Areas that once had open, vacant fields have been replaced by residential complexes and high-rise buildings. "The city has grown multifold," she said. However, as Gurugram grew vertically, Kapoor says the city's air quality deteriorated. "The air quality index (AQI) has worsened significantly for a city like Gurugram, which lies close to the Aravalli ranges. That is one of the key reasons why I have decided to move out of the city soon," she said. As per Kapoor, unless effective strategies are put in place and implemented properly, Gurugram could face serious environmental consequences. Kapoor also pointed to the poor condition of several of the city's market hubs, saying many of them are in a state of neglect and require urgent revamp. "You often see people eating street food amid unhygienic conditions, with garbage dumped just a few metres away. In some places, sewer water overflows and dust from broken roads fills the air," she said. Despite these challenges, Kapoor remains optimistic about Gurugram's potential. "If there is intention and proper execution, one can overcome the city's challenges in upcoming years," she says. When asked what she likes about Gurugram, Kapoor said the neighbourhood she lives in offers a comforting, homely feeling amid the city's fast-paced life. Kapoor has been practising as a reiki healer for the past eight years. "Focusing on your own journey, staying positive, and nurturing inner balance are essential to navigating the pressures of modern life."...