Why Chicago streets stay dry: An Indian woman explains America’s smart drainage system.

Gunjan Deora’s viral video highlights how U.S. infrastructure prevents waterlogging, in contrast to India’s monsoon struggles.

When heavy rain lashes Indian cities, waterlogged streets and traffic chaos often follow. But for Gunjan Deora, an Indian woman living in Chicago, the contrast in how quickly American roads dry after a downpour was striking enough to share online. Her Instagram video has since sparked a lively debate about urban planning and infrastructure.

Deora observed that in the United States, rainwater vanishes from the streets within minutes, leaving roads clean and dry. She attributed this to a well-planned drainage network that ensures water flows away efficiently instead of stagnating. Roads are built with a slight slope, guiding rainwater toward drains positioned at regular intervals. These drains, covered with metal grates, serve as flood outlets, channelling surface water into underground pipelines.

She also explained how rooftops are designed to manage rainfall. Pipes connected to buildings direct water either into underground systems or onto the streets, where roadside drains swiftly collect it. In many neighbourhoods, rainwater and sewage are handled separately through distinct pipelines. This separation prevents overflow and ensures that rainwater is not wasted but instead directed into rivers and lakes, where it naturally merges with larger water bodies.

According to Deora, this hidden yet highly efficient system is why American cities rarely experience the kind of waterlogging that plagues Indian metros during the monsoon season. “The roads are completely clean, with no waterlogging, nothing. And this is all possible because the drainage system in America is quite planned and advanced,” she said in her video.

Her post quickly drew reactions from viewers back home. Many praised the U.S. model and urged Indian authorities to adopt similar practices. One commenter noted, “Our engineers have the talent to build such systems, but corruption and poor execution hold us back.” Others called the video “inspiring” and a reminder of how infrastructure directly impacts quality of life.

While India continues to grapple with clogged drains and flooding during heavy rains, Deora’s observations underline the importance of systematic planning and accountability in urban development. Her viral clip has become more than just a comparison, it is a call to rethink how Indian cities prepare for the monsoon.