Incessant rains give tough time to Srinagarites

Srinagar, Feb 19: Amid incessant rains, people of the summer capital are facing a tough time owing to dilapidated roads and waterlogging.

Many commuters said that navigating through Srinagar has become a hectic task for the past few days amid waterlogging and dug-up roads.

They said the problem is compounded due to the slow pace of multiple projects including drainage, roads, and footpaths under the Smart City Project in various city areas. They said that the problem is compounded by the material lying around.

Greater Kashmir received complaints from residents of several areas about waterlogging. These areas include Khanyar, Nawab Bazar, Noor Bagh, Hawal, Nowhatta, Hazratbal and other areas.

“Our roads are in the worst state without macadamisation. Now, waterlogging has added to the issue. We have been reaching out to officials to address the issue for years but to no avail.

Today roads have been waterlogged and turned muddy, giving us a tough time,” a local from Habba Khatoon colony of Noor Bagh, said.

Locals from Downtown areas said that some of the roads are waterlogged up to ankle height, and they are facing issues to navigate. “Big pools of water have accumulated in our area near Hawal for days now. We always face issues due to rain. Unless proper drainage and proper roads are constructed, we will continue to suffer,” said Farooq Ahmad, a local from Baachi Darwaza Downtown.

“Some of the drainage network has been laid, but roads are yet to be fixed. At several places, new work is ongoing, and the material is lying around, which ends up turning the road muddy and unfit to drive on,” said Suhail Ahmad, a commuter.

Officials from SMC said that permanent dewatering stations are working to ensure waterlogging is addressed.

“These dewatering stations are being monitored throughout the city. In addition to this, mobile dewatering stations have also been used across Srinagar wherever necessary,” an official said.