French Woman Slams Gurugram: Like Pigsty

Haryana In a startling statement that has sparked nationwide debate, a French national residing in Gurugram has compared her living conditions to those of a pigsty, expressing her frustration with the unsanitary and chaotic urban environment. The woman, who has been living in the city for some time, shared her ordeal in a viral video, saying, We are living like animals. It looks like a pig’s house here.

Her remarks come amid rising concerns over deteriorating civic infrastructure in rapidly urbanizing parts of India. Gurugram, a city often touted as the millennium city and a hub for international businesses, has frequently been in the spotlight for issues like waterlogging, broken roads, open garbage, and unregulated construction. However, hearing such strong words from a foreign national has once again brought attention to the gap between India’s global image and ground reality.

The woman, visibly distressed in the video, questioned how such a globally connected city could fall into such neglect. “When I came to India, I didn’t expect to live in luxury, but I also didn’t expect to live like this,” she said, describing overflowing sewage lines and piles of garbage outside residential areas. She also called out the authorities for ignoring citizen complaints.

Adding weight to the issue, Union Minister of State Rao Inderjit Singh had earlier expressed similar concerns. He remarked that Gurugram’s condition has become a source of international embarrassment. When foreign guests come and see such a mess, it’s a shame, he said at a recent public event.

Civic activists and residents have also echoed similar sentiments. It’s not just about image; it’s about basic dignity and hygiene. If this is the face of India we show to the world, then we are failing not just foreigners, but our own people, said Ramesh Yadav, a local resident who has filed several complaints with municipal authorities over the years.

The local administration, meanwhile, has acknowledged the issue and assured action. A spokesperson from the Municipal Corporation of Gurugram (MCG) said, We are aware of the growing concerns and are working on strategic long-term plans. We appeal to the public to also take collective responsibility.

However, for many, such promises feel like déjà vu. The question remains how long will it take for cities like Gurugram to not just look global in their skyline but also offer global standards of livability? For the French woman, the hope is simple:  I love India, its culture, its people. But I want to live like a human being, not like a stray animal.