Incessant rain hits normal life in Srinagar

Srinagar, Apr 14:  Incessant rains threw normal life out of gear in the summer capital with many areas witnessing waterlogging due to defunct drainage system.

Amid rains, commuters faced a tough time navigating through different roads in Srinagar. The problem was compounded by dilapidated and dug-up roads.

Residents said that waterlogging due to drainage failure was witnessed in various areas of Downtown, uptown and Hazratbal areas. Greater Kashmir received many complaints of waterlogging from areas including Nowhatta, Khanyar, Nawab Bazar, Noor Bagh, Hawal, Batamaloo, Natipora and Bemina.

Dilapidated roads created cesspools on roads causing inconvenience to commuters. “We have been facing water logging issues every time there is a downpour. Our uptown areas including Batamaloo and adjoining areas have defunct drainage systems which usually trigger waterlogging. Authorities are forced to press dewatering pumps into service in our areas. This issue has to be fixed properly, else this will continue to make us suffer,” said Farooq Ahmad, a resident of Batamaloo.

The locals said that as multiple projects of drainage, roads, and pathways under the Smart City are ongoing across Srinagar, this has left the roads in shambles. They said that following rainfall, potholes and dug-up roads have turned into pools of water giving commuters a tough time.

“The problem is compounded by construction material lying around. Downpour for the past few days have turned the city into a cesspool and also hampered the traffic flow. The areas like Khanyar, Nowpora, Nowhatta are most affected following the rains. We hope the administration will look into the issue and speed up the developmental work,” said Farhan Ahmad, a commuter.

An official from SMC said that men and machinery were pressed into service to address the waterlogging issue. He said that permanent dewatering stations are working to check waterlogging.

“We also pressed mobile dewatering pumps to clear the waterlogging in many Srinagar areas. We are monitoring the waterlogging issue and accordingly addressing it. The city centre roads were also cleared of waterlogging. Our teams were continuously updating us about the dewatering work on the ground throughout the day” he said.