Heavy rains, hailstorm disrupt normal life in Srinagar

Srinagar, May 27: Heavy rains and hailstorm disrupted normal life in the summer capital with several roads witnessing massive traffic jams due to waterlogging.

Heavy rains coupled with defunct drainage system caused waterlogging in various areas, including MA Road, Nowpora, Khanyar, Budshah Chowk, Barzulla, Sanat Nagar and Rawalpora.b Due to waterlogging, traffic slowed down causing traffic jams.

Commuters faced a tough time navigating waterlogged roads. “Heavy rains exposed a defunct drainage system in Srinagar. Crores of rupees were spent on making Srinagar a smart city, however nothing has changed on the ground mainly due to defunct drainage system,” said Abdul Hamid, a commuter, pointing towards waterlogging on MA Road.

Dilapidated roads added to the woes of commuters. Potholes and open manholes at many places in the city added to their woes amid heavy rainfall. Many vehicles were damaged after passing through uneven roads and potholes from Pantha Chowk to the Sempora road. "This road has been totally neglected by the authorities. The concerned authorities have failed to undertake repairs of this vital road,"  Nisar Ahmad,

The commuters and pedestrians said that the movement of vehicles was also disrupted

The potholes turn into cesspools amid rains, posing a risk to commuters. Besides, uncovered manholes are dangerous during rain. “For how long shall we have to wait for proper drainage system. There must be audit of basic infrastructure in Srinagar to see the efficacy of developmental projects,” said Ghulam Ahmad, a commuter.