Heavy spell of rain disrupts normal life in Srinagar

Srinagar, Aug 31: An intense spell of rain on Sunday evening disrupted normal life across the summer capital, leaving roads inundated. Commuters said this also resulted in a traffic jam and several localities plunging into darkness.

Residents said that the downpour, which began in the evening hours, quickly flooded major streets in the city, exposing the fragile drainage system. The locals said that the weak drainage system has already been under criticism after over a week of rain that created a flood-like situation in Srinagar.

They said traffic movement was badly hit in stretches of Downtown, Uptown, and Hazratbal localities. Commuters said that they struggled to navigate waterlogged roads where potholes, covered by sheets of water, posed risks for vehicles.

“It was impossible to drive safely. You never knew whether you were entering a pothole or just water. Two-wheelers had it worst. Many just parked under shop fronts and waited for the rain to stop,” said Shabir Ahmad, a commuter stranded near Nigeen.

Several riders were seen getting down from their motorbikes to seek shelter under tin sheds and roadside kiosks as the rain continued. The locals said that, adding to the chaos, many localities across Srinagar reported electricity outages soon after the rains intensified.

Residents expressed anger over the repeated disruptions. “Every time it rains heavily, the power goes. It has become routine now,” said Faisal, a resident of Hazratbal. At many places, rain water entered tents, disrupting several functions, including marriage ceremonies.

The local said that the fresh spell has once again highlighted Srinagar’s inadequate drainage system. Notably, only days earlier, continuous rainfall had pushed the Jhelum above the danger mark, flooding low-lying areas like Rajbagh, Padshahi Bagh, and Kursu, reviving memories of the 2014 floods.