Ghaziabad Mercedes Owner Demands ₹5 Lakh Compensation After Flood

Ghaziabad, August 2, 2025 — A Mercedes-Benz GLA 200D owner has issued a legal notice to the Ghaziabad Municipal Corporation (GMC), demanding ₹5 lakh in compensation after his vehicle stalled in severe waterlogging on July 23. The case has brought renewed scrutiny to persistent drainage failures in the Sahibabad–Vasundhara corridor.

Lead: Luxury Car Stranded in Knee‑Deep Water for Two Hours

Businessman and activist Amit Kishore of Vasundhara Sector 11 says his car was stranded for nearly two hours on the road between Lajpat Nagar and Shyam Park Extension due to what he termed as gross municipal negligence—blocked drains, encroachments, and inadequate planning led to the vehicle’s breakdown and costly damages.

Main Body: The Incident, Legal Claims, and Civic Response

On the morning of 23 July, heavy rainfall inundated roads, submerging parts of the stretch in knee-deep water. Kishore’s GLA 200D ceased functioning in this flooded zone and had to be lifted with a crane and towed to a Mercedes service centre in Noida, where repair estimates topped ₹5 lakh—matching the compensation amount cited in his legal notice.

In his legal notice, served through advocate Prem Prakash, Kishore argued that the GMC failed in its statutory obligations under municipal and environmental laws. He sought reimbursement for repair costs and an additional ₹5 lakh for mental anguish, while also demanding urgent corrective measures to restore drainage infrastructure in Sahibabad and Vasundhara. A 15‑day response window before taking legal recourse was stipulated.

Municipal Commissioner Vikramaditya Malik countered the claims, dismissing them as attempts to tarnish the GMC’s reputation. He also questioned the lack of similar breakdown reports from other vehicles in the area and noted there was no expert certification confirming that waterlogging directly caused the car’s malfunction.

Meanwhile, local residents have lent support to Kishore’s plea. Roy Tapan Bharti, a Sector 16 resident, commented: “Waterlogging is a chronic issue in trans‑Hindon areas like Indirapuram, Vaishali, and Vasundhara. Drains are clogged, cleaning is delayed, and sludge remains until washed back by rains”.

Broader Context: Public Infrastructure and Civic Accountability

Kishore has previously filed petitions before the National Green Tribunal, urging regular drain cleaning and removal of encroachments in his locality. His present action is positioned as a stance for civic responsibility and taxpayer accountability.

Dr. Aarti Singh, an urban planning expert, noted: “This isn’t just about a luxury car. It reflects systemic failures in urban drainage, especially in rapidly built residential areas. Authorities must proactively address these infrastructure gaps or face legal scrutiny and loss of public trust.”

Meanwhile, netizens have largely supported Kishore on social media. Many argued that filing such complaints could galvanize civic agencies to improve performance, especially in infrastructure maintenance.

Implications and Legal Path Ahead

If the GMC fails to respond within the stipulated period, Kishore has hinted at pursuing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the High Court or seeking investigation by the Lokayukta. The case may also become a touchstone for future claims involving road safety and civic negligence.

Whether the civic body accedes or defends its duty, the case underscores growing public awareness around infrastructure accountability. In recent years, several cities have faced widespread criticism over drainage failures, floods, and recurring vehicle damage, even beyond Ghaziabad.

Conclusion

Kishore’s legal demand lays bare a critical issue at the heart of urban dynamics—citizens expect civic agencies to uphold basic services, especially drainage, during heavy rainfall. The moral claim for justice—whether granted or rejected—could signal a broader shift in citizen–state accountability. If the civic body continues to deny liability, courts may soon weigh in on the extent of municipal responsibility in addressing stormwater management failures.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why is the Mercedes owner demanding ₹5 lakh compensation?
The owner claims his Mercedes-Benz GLA 200D broke down in knee-deep water due to poor drainage and waterlogging in Ghaziabad. He is seeking ₹5 lakh to cover repair costs and mental distress.

2. Where and when did the incident occur?
The car got stranded on July 23, 2025, near Shyam Park Extension in the Sahibabad area of Ghaziabad following heavy rainfall and flooding on the road.

3. Who has the legal notice been served to?
The notice has been sent to the Ghaziabad Municipal Corporation (GMC), accusing it of civic negligence for failing to maintain proper drainage infrastructure.

4. What is the civic body’s response?
GMC officials have dismissed the claim, saying no other vehicles were reported damaged in the area and there is no proof that waterlogging directly caused the car’s failure.

5. What legal steps could follow if the GMC does not respond?
If the GMC fails to respond within 15 days, the car owner has indicated he may file a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) or escalate the matter to the Lokayukta or higher courts.