Indian Army Veteran In Chicago Compares Storm Response With Gurgaon Delhi Asks What Can We Learn

An Indian Army veteran in Chicago has sparked a discussion on urban planning and civic preparedness after comparing the American city’s response to extreme weather with cities such as Gurgaon and Delhi.

He further remarked, “What are these people even doing? In their life, adventure just means they went cycling, they went running, they went to the gym, they did an Ironman, or they went swimming. What is this? Don't they have a life? I'm telling you, look at this, the traffic is just moving smoothly...”

The clip was shared with a caption that read, “What can we learn from Chicago's remarkable resilience during extreme weather, where heavy rains and strong winds didn't disrupt traffic, cause road jams, or compromise safety, and how can cities like Gurgaon and Delhi harness similar strengths? What are the key challenges to creating thriving, well-planned urban spaces in India, and which city is poised to set a new standard?”

The clip drew several reactions from users, many of whom agreed with the larger point about civic systems. One user wrote, “This is exactly what basic infrastructure should look like, not something extraordinary.” Another said, “In India, even 30 minutes of rain is enough to expose the whole system.”

A third user commented, “Gurgaon and Delhi need long-term planning, not temporary fixes before every monsoon.” Another wrote, “The problem is not rain, the problem is poor drainage and lack of accountability.” A fifth user said, “People pay taxes everywhere, but the difference is visible in how cities are managed.” Another added, “Indian cities have talent and money, but urban planning still remains weak.” One more user remarked, “This should be shown to every civic body before the monsoon.”

(Disclaimer: This report is based on user-generated content from social media. HT.com has not independently verified the claims and does not endorse them.)

Mahipal Singh Chouhan is a Senior Content Producer at Hindustan Times Digital, with nearly five years of experience in digital journalism and content production. His work primarily focuses on offbeat and trending stories that reflect everyday experiences and evolving conversations on the internet. He has consistently worked on transforming viral content and human interest stories into structured news pieces that engage readers while maintaining editorial clarity. At Hindustan Times, Mahipal contributes to identifying and developing stories emerging from social media trends, online communities, and real-world incidents that capture public attention. His approach involves adding context and journalistic perspective to fast-moving digital narratives, helping present viral moments in a clear and reader-friendly format suited for digital audiences. Before joining Hindustan Times Digital, he was associated with DNA India, where he gained experience in newsroom workflows and digital storytelling practices. Mahipal holds a degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from the Vivekananda Institute of Professional Studies, Delhi. He is particularly interested in tracking emerging trends and understanding how online conversations evolve into broader public discussions. His work reflects a focus on accuracy, readability, and relevance in the rapidly changing digital news environment. Outside of his professional responsibilities, Mahipal takes an interest in history and sports and regularly works on improving his general knowledge, which complements his curiosity as a media professional.Read More