Author and entrepreneur Suhel Seth has taken a swipe at the state of civic infrastructure in the National Capital Region, sarcastically dubbing Delhi and Gurgaon as “two Venices side by side” following widespread flooding after heavy rainfall.
In a post on X, Seth wrote, “The NCR is the only place on the planet that can boast of two Venices side by side. Gurgaon and Delhi. Well done, folks. Great fillip to Brand India.” He also shared a video of traversing through flooded roads.
The NCR is the only place on the planet that can boast of two Venices side by side. Gurugram and Delhi. Well done folks. Great fillip to Brand India. pic.twitter.com/rnv8Fr8xIn— SUHEL SETH (@Suhelseth) July 29, 2025
The remark comes amid heavy rains that have left parts of the region waterlogged, reviving concerns about poor drainage and urban planning. Seth, who has been a vocal critic of Gurgaon’s civic conditions, recently described the city as “a shame on this country” during a panel hosted by The Indian Express.
“Every year, without government help, we create a Venice for people to enjoy,” he said, adding that Gurgaon's streets are littered with garbage and have more liquor vends than functioning traffic lights. “You can’t have smart cities with unsmart leaders,” he said, calling for a “non-hostile takeover” to restore basic governance.
Seth’s comments have struck a chord with residents frustrated by recurring monsoon disruptions and what many see as administrative apathy in one of India’s most prominent urban hubs.
"Sack the town planners, civil engineers, the administrators, and give it to a private management company with Singaporean technical consultants; they will set it right in less than a year! Do it if you want to live a civilised life in a city. We have serious cultural and behavioural issues which prevent us from doing quality work," commented X user @Thehimalayaman.
"If this is the situation of Delhi and the NCR region, imagine the situation in other parts of the country," wrote Manas Muduli (@manas_muduli).
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