French expat on 'unliveable conditions' in Gurgaon: 'My foreign friends no longer wish to visit'

'Citizens must demand their rightful access to clean and walkable public spaces—something that is considered a basic standard around the world, essential for both physical health and mental well-being,' Mathilde R said. (File photo)

A French expatriate living in Gurgaon has joined ranks with author and businessman Suhel Seth in his sharp criticism of the city's deteriorating civic infrastructure. Mathilde R said she cherishes life in India but lamented the stark contrast between the city’s vibrant private spaces and its crumbling public infrastructure.

Reposting a video where Seth blasts authorities responsible for Gurgaon's "urban decay," Mathilde said she "couldn’t agree more." “I couldn’t agree more. I live in India and truly cherish it, but I’ve seen cities like Gurgaon deteriorate into near-unlivable conditions. Many of my foreign friends no longer wish to visit."

She added that despite being home to incredible brands, outstanding designers, restaurants, and beautifully curated private spaces, the public infrastructure in places like Gurgaon increasingly resembles that of "post-war zones or underdeveloped nations".

"Citizens must demand their rightful access to clean and walkable public spaces—something that is considered a basic standard around the world, essential for both physical health and mental well-being," Mathilde said.

'You can’t have smart cities with unsmart leaders'

Suhel Seth has been vocal about his frustration with Gurgaon's urban infrastructure and has been sharing his views on social media and with different media houses. Speaking to Storyboard, he said that the major cities in India are poster boys of the worst misery one can inflict on a city. "Our roads are dug up, the drainage is inadequate. Every year we know the monsoons will hit us and every year there is flooding... it seems no one cares," Seth said.

During a recent panel discussion hosted by The Indian Express, he described Gurgaon as “a shame on this country.” Seth, a long-time critic of the city’s civic mismanagement, said, “You can’t have smart cities with unsmart leaders,” and called for a “non-hostile takeover” to restore basic governance.

“Every year, without government help, we create a Venice for people to enjoy,” Seth said, referring to privately curated spaces. “But the streets are littered with garbage and have more liquor vends than functioning traffic lights.”