Heavy rainfall in Ghaziabad over the past 24 hours has caused significant disruption across the city, with severe waterlogging reported in multiple locations. Residential colonies, marketplaces, and main roads were submerged under several inches of water, affecting both pedestrian and vehicular movement.
Among the most alarming incidents was the partial collapse of a basement in a residential building in the Raj Nagar Extension area. The collapse caused serious damage to multiple cars parked in the basement. Fortunately, no casualties were reported, but the incident has triggered concerns about the safety of underground structures in rain-affected zones.
Residents of the area said the water had been accumulating for several hours, and complaints to the local municipal corporation went unanswered. The incident reportedly occurred after rainwater began entering the basement through drainage pipes, which were either blocked or overwhelmed due to poor maintenance.
Commuters across Ghaziabad experienced long delays, with traffic crawling on key roads such as Meerut Road, NH-9, and the Vasundhara sector. Metro station entrances also saw water accumulation, making access difficult for daily passengers.
Local businesses suffered losses as shopkeepers were unable to open stores on time. In many areas, especially low-lying zones like Shalimar Garden and Loni, residents had to use temporary wooden planks to move around their neighborhoods.
The Ghaziabad Municipal Corporation and disaster response teams have since begun dewatering operations in heavily affected areas. Pumps and temporary drains have been deployed to redirect the excess water. Civic officials have assured residents that long-term plans are being drawn up to upgrade the city’s drainage network, which has proven inadequate in handling such intense rainfall.
A senior municipal officer stated, “The rainfall exceeded expected levels in a short span of time, which led to temporary infrastructure failure. We have dispatched teams to survey vulnerable buildings and initiate necessary safety inspections, especially in basements and underground parking areas.”
Environmental experts have linked the city’s frequent waterlogging to unchecked construction and the shrinking of natural water bodies and drainage channels. They emphasize the need for sustainable urban planning and immediate infrastructure audits to prevent such disasters in the future.
Citizens have urged the local administration to not only take emergency measures but also work on permanent solutions such as proper garbage disposal, regular drain cleaning, and stricter enforcement of building codes.
With monsoon expected to continue for the next few weeks, residents remain anxious about further rain-related challenges. Civic bodies are under pressure to act quickly and effectively to restore normalcy and prevent additional damage to property and public safety.
