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A businessman in Ghaziabad sent a legal notice to the municipal corporation after his car was damaged due to waterlogging in the area.
Amit Kishore, a resident of Vasundhara, has taken legal action against the Ghaziabad Municipal Corporation, holding it responsible for damage to his car caused by severe waterlogging on July 23.
The incident occurred when heavy rainfall led to flooding on the road between Sahibabad and Vasundhara, where Kishore’s car got stuck and suffered significant mechanical and electronic damage.
According to Kishore, he was driving home from Lajpat Nagar, Sahibabad, around 10 am when his vehicle got submerged in deep water accumulated on the road. The flooding caused the vehicle to break down completely, forcing it to be towed to a Noida service center. The estimated cost of repairs came to nearly Rs 5 lakh.
Through his advocate Prem Prakash, Amit Kishore has sent a legal notice to Municipal Commissioner Vikramaditya Singh Malik, demanding full compensation for the repair costs. He has also sought an additional Rs 5 lakh as compensation for mental harassment. The notice further calls for immediate action to improve drainage and clean the clogged drains in Sahibabad, Vasundhara, and surrounding areas. Kishore has asked for a written response within 15 days, failing which he has warned of legal proceedings before the High Court, Lokayukta, or other forums.
Kishore stated that the issue is not just about his car, but reflects the broader failure of the city’s civic infrastructure. He emphasised that taxpayers deserve accountability from municipal authorities and that this legal action is a fight for public interest. Advocate Prem Prakash, supporting Kishore, said that it is the responsibility of the Municipal Corporation to provide a safe and organised environment, and that the damage suffered by the businessman is a result of official negligence and systemic failure.
So far, there has been no official response from the Municipal Corporation. However, the incident has gained traction on social media and local circles, with many residents supporting the move. The case has sparked widespread discussion in Ghaziabad, as this is the first time a citizen has legally challenged the Municipal Corporation over losses caused by waterlogging and poor maintenance of civic infrastructure.
Ghaziabad has once again found itself in the spotlight over civic negligence, this time after a local resident sent a legal notice to the municipal authorities claiming compensation for damage to his car caused by severe waterlogging. The incident highlights the ongoing battle between citizens and civic bodies over accountability for urban infrastructure failures, particularly during monsoon months.
The Incident
According to reports, the resident was driving through one of Ghaziabad’s busiest stretches when heavy rains caused water to accumulate to alarming levels. Like many others stranded in traffic, he had no option but to navigate through the waterlogged stretch. In the process, his car stalled, and its engine suffered extensive damage, later estimated at several lakhs of rupees in repair costs.
Frustrated and holding the civic body responsible, the man served a legal notice demanding that compensation be provided for negligence in maintaining proper drainage and failing to ensure safe passage for vehicles and pedestrians. His argument rests on the principle that citizens pay taxes to ensure functioning infrastructure, and repeated waterlogging is evidence of gross mismanagement.
Waterlogging: A Recurring Nightmare
This is far from an isolated case. Ghaziabad, like many cities in the National Capital Region (NCR), has struggled with waterlogging for years. Every monsoon season, roads turn into virtual rivers, vehicles break down, and commuters are left stranded for hours. Civic experts argue that the problem lies in outdated drainage systems, rampant construction without planning, and the failure to desilt drains before the rains arrive.
The latest case underscores the cumulative frustration of residents who feel that despite paying property tax, road tax, and various civic charges, they are left to fend for themselves when the city floods.
Legal Dimensions
What makes this case significant is the decision to pursue legal action. Typically, citizens vent their anger on social media or through protests, but rarely do such incidents lead to official notices or court battles. If the case progresses, it could set a precedent, opening the door for more citizens to hold civic authorities legally accountable for damages caused by infrastructure failures.
Legal experts note that under consumer protection and tort law, individuals can indeed claim damages if it is proven that a public authority’s negligence led to financial loss. While the burden of proof remains high, the increasing documentation of urban mismanagement through videos and photographs strengthens such cases.
Civic Body’s Response
At the time of writing, the Ghaziabad Municipal Corporation has yet to issue a formal response. Typically, civic bodies cite “unprecedented rainfall” as an explanation for waterlogging, but critics argue this excuse wears thin when the problem recurs every year without any systemic improvement.
Some officials have informally suggested that climate change and unpredictable weather patterns make it difficult to fully prevent waterlogging. However, residents counter that better planning, regular desilting of drains, and investment in modern stormwater systems could significantly reduce such incidents.
Public Reaction
The legal notice has sparked debate across Ghaziabad’s neighborhoods and online forums. Many residents have praised the man for taking a stand, calling it a much-needed push to force civic bodies into accountability. Others remain skeptical, questioning whether the legal system will deliver swift results or whether the case will get lost in bureaucratic delays.
Social media posts show widespread anger, with several users sharing their own experiences of cars breaking down or properties being damaged due to waterlogging. The collective sentiment appears to be that unless citizens start demanding legal redress, civic bodies will continue to treat such failures as routine.
The Bigger Picture
Urban experts suggest this case is emblematic of a larger issue facing Indian cities: rapid urbanization without corresponding investment in civic infrastructure. As more vehicles and people flood into cities like Ghaziabad, drainage systems designed decades ago are proving wholly inadequate. Without major overhauls, similar disputes between residents and civic bodies are likely to escalate.
Conclusion
The Ghaziabad case of a damaged car leading to a legal notice is more than just an individual grievance. It represents a growing demand for civic accountability and may inspire others to take similar action. Whether or not the resident succeeds in securing compensation, the case has already highlighted the urgent need for systemic reforms in how Indian cities prepare for and respond to monsoon-related challenges.
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