Incessant rains cause waterlogging in Srinagar areas

Srinagar, Mar 13: Amid continuous rains in the summer capital, various areas witnessed waterlogging hampering movement of commuters.

Commuters said that roads in areas including Karan Nagar, Batamaloo, Babademb, Khanyar, and Hazratbal witnessed waterlogging. They said the issue prevented vehicle movement amid rains. The locals said that the defunct drainage network, especially in Srinagar’s Downtown, triggers waterlogging.

“There has been a long dry spell that is why we didn’t see waterlogging issue. Since it has been raining for some days now, many roads are waterlogged. The road outside SMHS Hospital was waterlogged in the morning, taking a toll on patients and other commuters. This happens because of inadequate drainage network, which should be upgraded,” said Farooq Ahmad, a commuter downtown.

The commuters also said that many roads and link roads in Hazratbal area are dilapidated and full of potholes. They said that these roads get waterlogged quickly and create inconvenience to commuters. They said that the absence of drainage systems in many areas adds to the issue.

“There are many roads and link roads in our area that are in a bad state. Our road connecting Burzahama and Hazratbal has caved in a year back, and it has not been repaired yet. The waterlogging amid rains is creating problems for commuters and pedestrians. Similarly, the adjoining link roads don’t have any drainage system, which has caused many inconveniences amid rains,” said a local from Hazratbal.

The locals in various Srinagar areas said that despite many development works executed under the Srinagar Smart City project, including drainage and roads, many areas are facing the waterlogging issue. They said officials should further enhance the drainage network in Downtown.

A senior official from Srinagar Smart City said that they have completed blacktopping of all roads under their jurisdiction. He said that the drainage network has also been augmented in various areas.

“Sometimes, there is repair work, which we carry out accordingly. Recently, we have carried out repair work at many places, and soon, concerned departments will carry out more work to further enhance the drainage system and the roads,” said the official.