Incessant rains disrupt normal life in Srinagar

Srinagar, Apr 19: Amid incessant rains in Srinagar, normal life was affected due to waterlogging and traffic jams on Saturday.

The commuters in Srinagar areas, including Hazratbal, Khanyar, MA Road, Sanat Nagar, and Nowhatta, said that roads were waterlogged by the evening following continuous rains.

Rains triggered a massive traffic mess in the city. "There is a need for proper drainage so that roads are saved from waterlogging. We hope that these issues are addressed at the earliest so that we don’t suffer,” Altaf Ahmad, a commuter, said.

The locals said that the potholes on the roads add to these issues during the rains. They said that it not only affects the traffic movement in the city but also hinders the movement of pedestrians.

“These potholes are invisible amid the waterlogging, and that makes them a death trap for commuters as well as pedestrians. There have been many accidents in the past due to this issue. Only today, an e-rickshaw operator had a narrow escape at Khayam due to the uneven manhole. These issues can cause major accidents,” said Faizan, a local from Khayam.

The commuters said that despite many offices remaining closed during the weekend, there were major traffic jams in the city areas, especially during peak time. They said that the defunct traffic lights and the lack of traffic cops on the ground add to the traffic woes.

"During the rains, the situation gets worse as everyone is rushing home during peak hours. We appeal to authorities to address all these issues so that they can have some respite,” said another commuter.

The Srinagarites said that the issues of traffic lights, diversions, and dilapidated roads need to be addressed, as the traffic mess on normal days and during downpours affects normal life in Srinagar.

Officials from the traffic police said that they are deploying more personnel to manage traffic at key junctions. Another official from the SMC road division said that the repair and blacktopping of many roads will be done soon.

“These projects are in the pipeline and will be taken up soon. Smooth roads will ease traffic flow, and it will get easier for commuters to navigate the city amid bad weather,” said the official.