Incessant rains throw life out of gear in Srinagar

Srinagar, Sep 8: Incessant rains for the last two days have thrown life out of gear in the summer capital with people living in low-lying areas reeling under fear of floods.

Localities along river Jhelum, including Hazratbal’s Tailbal belt, besides posh Rajbagh and several uptown neighbourhoods, are witnessing heightened concern as water seeps into residential areas. People in these areas were seen reinforcing embankments with sandbags, fearing the water level may rise further.

“We have been through flood-like situations twice in just the last fortnight. Every time its rains, we live under constant fear that the Jhelum may overflow again,” said Ghulam Ahmad, a Tailbal resident, pointing to the damp patches left behind by the last spell of waterlogging.

In several uptown areas, like Lasjan and Rawalpora, locals have been volunteering to shore up the weak banks of flood channels.

Carrying sandbags and shovels, groups of young men were seen working to strengthen embankments. “We cannot just wait for departments to act.. If the banks give way, it is our homes that will be underwater first,” said a volunteer from the area.

Meanwhile, normal life has taken a hit as many city roads remain waterlogged. Commuters complained that potholes filled with rainwater slowed down traffic, leading to long jams. “Every five minutes, the car gets stuck in a pothole hidden under water. Driving has become a nightmare. Today, there was a massive traffic jam in the Srinagar area, especially downtown. Our bus was stuck for an hour due to traffic congestion,” said Faiza, a student.

The locals said that adding to the worry is the ongoing marriage season in Kashmir. Families preparing for weddings say the rains and flood scare have cast a shadow over their celebrations. One of the families in the Tailbal vicinity said that they are busy making arrangements for their daughter’s marriage scheduled next week. “We are living in fear. The last time the water entered our neighbourhood. If it happens again, it may ruin the entire function,” said a family member.