Optimum utilisation of space

Better utilisation of space has grown & shall be a need continuum irrespective of what kind of State viz, sovereign, not fully sovereign, de-facto, failed, micro, recognised  etc. it may be. A large conglomeration of population with its multifarious activities is a feature of a city and a capital city has a preponderance and prominence over all. Srinagar has remained the capital of Kashmir since long. With its distinctive craft, climate and culture its history makes an interesting read of 5,000 years old civilisation.

The ever growing population pressurises drains, sewerages and roads daily thereby calling attention for space utilisation, especially in capital cities where every inch of space matters. With the rapidly increasing vehicle and human population the probability for chances of accidents on roads, choking of drainage & sewerage systems enhances.

For a city, drainage and sewage systems are what intestines are to a human body. If the existing nallahs, streams, and flood spill channels are cleared, most of the unwanted water festering the locally will get diverted and diffused. Flood spill channels and flood spillways have also not been maintained or de-silted to cater efficiently and withstand the wrath of  flood or storm water.

Post flood of 9/2014 the work of dredging taken up in the river Jhelum Phase-1 costing Rs.399.29 crore out of the comprehensive plan of Rs.2,023 crore has not been completed, rendering the project  less fruitful. Delayed start and untimely completion cause cost escalation besides deflating intended benefits to the targeted beneficiaries.

Drainage system may be manmade or natural but sewage system is often artificial. Both the systems in the field of hydraulics deal with dewatering of rain and snow water from roof top pipes, lanes, roads (drainage), and foul water from kitchens, sinks, washrooms and toilets (sewage). In Geomorphology rivers, lakes and streams form a pattern that makes a natural basin for water. Srinagar too is bestowed with geomorphologic resources but our drainage system is too defective and inadequate to allow its content to reach the natural basins.

We have three types of drains, viz, spun pipe drains, cement concrete roofed drains and open drains. At many places the open drains run alongside the roads thus squeezing the space for pedestrians and the vehicular traffic. The open drains or sewages force one to press the nose. Such drains shall continue to be a hangman’s noose for kids, weak, and old until covered properly either with concrete roofing or with fabricated iron trellis, grills or some other suitable alternative that will expand safety of life and property besides space for traffic. This will also reduce their vulnerability to early blockages due to falling of peripheral waste thrown by winds  or  negligent citizenry.

Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, having population of 1.5 million as on 1/2023 necessitates augmentation and improvement of drains and sewages. As per 3/2021 estimates and reports, Srinagar has 650 kms of drains as against the  requirement of 1650 kms  thus falling short of 1000 kms, to  cope up  effectively storm water and sewerages presently and  with no backup to face future challenges.

It was said that there were to be 85 permanent and 35 temporary Mechanical Dewatering Stations besides gravity outfall channels. According to data (3/2021) of Srinagar Municipal Corporation, the Srinagar city lacks on sewage front also as it generates 170 million litres per day (MLD) of sewage while having a capacity of treatment of 53 MLD only.

Given its highly skewed topography Srinagar sewerage and drainage systems have metamorphosised into a unique job of planning, designing, executing, commissioning and maintenance. As the drains or sewages get obstructed the backlash starts with the flow of filthy waters inundating domestic compounds. The PHE Department, SDA, Srinagar Smart City Limited, UEE. Department, I&FC Department, SMC being line departments/authorities, are duty bound to work for providing a better drainage and the sewage systems.

The job is not too difficult to be mastered, only will is to be yoked in a cooperative and coordinative mode to bring the engine of success in motion. General public too are legally and ethically bound to ensure a clean system by not polluting these spaces. Careful and responsible handling is the only solution. Government has to shoulder its due share of  financial and managerial responsibility in facilitating public ease through optimum utilization of space available.

The author is a former Sr. Audit Officer and Consultant in the A.G’s Office Srinagar.