Three Indian cities, the national capital New Delhi, financial capital Mumbai and a south Indian metropolis Chennai are among the 10 worst cities in the world to be working in, said a recent survey conducted by an international consultant institution published on Thursday.

The international weekly Business Week quoted ORC Worldwide as saying in a recent survey that while Mumbai is the 5th worst city in the world to be working in, New Delhi, which is to host 2010 Commonwealth Games, follows at number six and Chennai is at the 10th spot.

Lagos, Nigeria, is at the top spot, followed by Jakarta, Riyadhand Almaty. The survey does not include North America and Europe, and cities under combat or in international isolation.

The survey cited problems with Mumbai as pollution, disease and sanitation and lack of infrastructure, worsened by political violence, repression and climate.

The survey also said some may be energized by the hustle-bustle of Mumbai and its beautiful setting, "many more are likely to be overwhelmed by its crowded and chaotic conditions and by the poor sanitation and violence."

When asked about the survey by Xinhua, a Mumbai resident named Shankar Swamy, who is a bank employee, said he agrees with the survey. He said "lack of infrastructure during monsoons in Mumbaiis the worst of all problems. Although local trains are lifeline of Mumbai, they are too crowded."

As for New Delhi, the Indian government is all out upgrading the national capital's infrastructure ahead of the Commonwealth Games.

"Well, with temperature soaring above 40 degree Celcius in summers, climate definitely is a big setback. But the traffic chaos will be reduced once Metro becomes totally functional throughout Delhi and digging for laying of metro lines stops.

Moreover in the last few years, traffic scenario has improved in Delhi due to many new flyovers," Vivek, a Delhi resident who is working with a financial firm and travels to Delhi from its sub-urban city for work everyday, told Xinhua in a phone interview.

Chennai also faces the extra problem of remoteness, according to the survey which said that for overseas employees, "the major drawbacks to living in Chennai are a hot and humid climate, poor sanitation, and the threat of disease."

ORC Worldwide operates as a human resources data and compensation consultant company based in the United States. The company provides integrated data, consulting guidance, and human resources network meeting services to large and mid-sized organizations.

Source:Xinhua