In this article, Simran Sabharwal discusses how to lodge a complaint in cases of water logging in your locality.

Introduction

“Heavy rains wreaked havoc in the city as commuters faced hard time through waterlogged roads and faced traffic congestion.”

“PWD and civic bodies trade blame as Delhi seems set to go down a watery path again this monsoon; L-G likely to chair a meeting on the issue today.”

These are the headlines we read in the national daily during monsoons. But what happens after a road gets waterlogged. Who takes care of the waterlogged road? Also, what if the road next to your home gets waterlogged during a rainy season?

This article discusses the procedure of filing a complaint on water-logging of roads.

What is Water-logging?

Water-logging occurs when there is heavy rainfall and due to improper drainage system, the water gets collected on the road and causes problems. It can also be said that when the soil cannot absorb more water, it causes an increase in the underground water level. As a result, it leads to roads getting waterlogged.

Dealing with water-logging

Waterlogging is a serious problem. Apart from the inconveniences that it causes, it also brings miseries along. During the rainy season, a lot of water-borne disease spreads. These diseases lead to epidemics and unfortunately proves fatal to humans.

To tackle the water-logging problem, various cities have their own Public Health Engineering Department (PHED) or the Municipality, where one can lodge a complaint. They have the authority to look at the conditions of the roads and maintain public hygiene and sanitation. Recently, Odisha has been hit by Cyclone Titli which will increase the groundwater level and eventually cause water-logging on the roads. At these times, it is advisable to stay at homes and not to leave your place unless it is necessary. Also, one needs to lodge a complaint to the concerned authority so that the condition is minimised.   

Step by Step procedure to file a water-logging complaint

Step 1

For lodging a complaint, one can either visit the municipality office and write an application and submit it. People living in villages can go to Panchayat office and submit the application.

But nowadays, the form can be filled online. One can go to the Public Health Engineering Department website or the Citizen’s Corner on the municipality’s page and submit the complaint.

Step 2

If you are writing an application and submitting it, follow this method.

• Follow a proper format for writing an application. Begin with your personal details (Add your details wisely, and do not write highly private details) followed by the details of the authority you are submitting your letter to.
• After writing your details, switch to the main problem. Write about the situation you are facing and specifically mention the location where the road has been waterlogged. Be courteous throughout the letter.
• Mention the complaint number, if you have written the complaint before and it has not been answered.
• Keep a copy of the complaint letter with you for further records.
• If your complaint letter is not answered, try writing to higher authorities.

A sample complaint letter has been attached below. (Annexure 1)

Most people these days prefer lodging a complaint online as it is convenient and easy.

Here are the details to file water-logging complaints online in your city.

Step 3

This is how a usual website of the PHED department looks like. Here, you can fill in your details as directed.

• One may need to provide his contact number, email id and address details with correct ZIP code when filing a complaint.
• For some cities, one may require to enter the OTP received on the entered mobile number first and then proceed with the complaint. List of information required may vary with the municipality’s website.
• Then, enter the complaint type and fill in your details. One also has an option to upload an image.
• Submit the complaint and note down the complaint number received.
• One can also check the complaint status and know when it will be addressed. Also, noting down the complaint number will help in future references.

Can one file a complaint through calls?

• The government of certain states has even provided the citizens with the application which are available on Play store and WhatsApp numbers to lodge their complaints. The new methods introduced by the government are available 24*7 which prove to be convenient for the people.
• According to Delhi PWD, one can send the water-logging complaints along with pictures through the WhatsApp number – 8130188222. One can also download the app available on play store.
• It is possible to file a complaint through calls and authorities have no right to deny it.

Water-logging can also lead to various epidemics. Therefore, it is advisable to safeguard oneself. Also, one needs to file the complaint on time so that the authorities start working on it.

Annexure 1 (Sample complaint letter)

To

The Municipal commissioner,

_______________<name of the corporation>,

_______________ <City with pin code>.

Subject: Water-logged roads.

Respected Sir,

I am <name>, living in <address> at < city and state name>.

The condition of the roads at <detailed address> is pathetic. The sanitation condition is very bad here. The roads are waterlogged since <number of days>. The drainage water flows all over the street, <mention other problems>.

So, I request you to register the complaint and improve the condition of our locality.

Thanking you in anticipation.

Yours faithfully,

<your name>

<city>

<contact number>

<signature>