Incessant rains hit normal life in Srinagar

Srinagar, Mar 2: Incessant rains affected normal life in the summer capital today as people faced inconvenience due to waterlogging in several areas.

Due to rains coupled with a defunct drainage system, many areas faced waterlogging hampering movement of commuters.

“Waterlogging in lanes and roads is taking a toll on us. Unless there is a proper drainage network, authorities will always have to rely on dewatering pumps which is not a permanent solution,” said Irfan Ahmad, a resident of Batamaloo.

The locals said that the problem is compounded by multiple projects of drainage, roads, and pathways under the Smart City Project.

Residents of Nowpora, Khanyar, Nowhatta, Khwaja Bazar, and adjoining areas said that the issue is taking a toll on them.

“At several places, work is ongoing, and the material is lying around, which ends up turning road muddy and unfit to drive on. In addition to this, huge pipes abandoned on roads in Downtown affect traffic flow. The huge potholes are full of rainwater, and pedestrians are also having a tough time,” said Asif Ahmad, a commuter.

Officials of SMC said that permanent dewatering stations are working to ensure waterlogging is addressed. They said that they are using mobile dewatering pumps across Srinagar to ensure that waterlogged roads are cleared.

Meanwhile SMC Commissioner and CEO Smart City, Owais Ahmed visited the city to take stock of the situation.

“It was a surprise visit to take stock of the situation following the rains. We were checking the water logging situation and working on our dewatering pumps etc. We also inspected other work which is ongoing at several places under the smart city,” he said.