Garbage, potholes or no water? How to complain to the municipal corporation
Updated 2026-10 · General information, not legal advice.
Civic issues are handled by your municipal body. A complaint with a photo and a location, followed up with the ward office, works better than a general message.
When to use this
- Garbage is not being collected
- A road has potholes or a drain is blocked
- Water or streetlights are not working
Step by step
- 1
Take a photo and note the location
Photograph the problem and note the exact address or landmark and the date.
- 2
Use the municipal helpline or app
Register on your municipal corporation's app, website or helpline and note the complaint number. The Swachhata app is also used for sanitation issues.
- 3
Follow up at the ward office
Visit or write to the ward officer with the complaint number and photos. Ask for a time by which it will be fixed.
- 4
Escalate to the state portal and RTI
Use the state grievance portal or CM helpline, and file an RTI to ask what action was taken and when.
Key facts
- Neighbours filing the same complaint can speed things up
- Keep screenshots of the complaint status
- Systems and portals differ by city and state
Get your free action plan
Tell us what happened. We show your options, draft the letters and track every deadline.
Common questions
Where do I complain about garbage?
Your municipal corporation's helpline or app, then the ward office and the state portal.
Can I use RTI for a civic complaint?
Yes. An RTI can ask what action was taken on your complaint and by when.