Rains disrupt normal life in Srinagar

Srinagar, Aug 28: Incessant rains disrupted normal life in the summer capital even as city areas witnessed massive traffic jams.

Amid rains, traffic jams were witnessed in several city areas including MA Road, Batamaloo, Jehangir Chowk, Lal Chowk, Rajouri Kadal, Nowhatta and Soura. The problem was severe in Downtown areas due to dilapidated roads and Smart City works.

Commuters said the problem was compounded by a defunct drainage system which caused waterlogging in various areas.

“It is ironical that a rain spell brings Srinagar to a standstill. Traffic jams and waterlogging caused inconvenience to commuters. How many decades more will the authorities take to streamline traffic system,” said Abdul Hamid a commuter who was stranded in traffic jam at Batamaloo.

The commuters minced no words to blame the slow pace of Smart City Work as the major reason for traffic jams amid rains. “Amid dug-up roads and construction material dumped on roads, it is dangerous to drive in rains and waterlogging,” said Nazir Ahmad, a commuter.

Commuters said absence of traffic cops in Downtown areas also triggers traffic jams. Besides inordinate delay in commissioning of Traffic Lights also hit smooth vehicular movement.

To mention that a brief spell of rain in Srinagar last week led to sudden and severe waterlogging in various parts of the city, including the bustling city centre areas such as Polo View, Residency Road, and Lal Chowk. The unexpected flooding has once again raised concerns over the effectiveness of the newly constructed drainage system under the Srinagar Smart City project, which was expected to prevent such occurrences.

People and shopkeepers express their frustration by questioning the efficiency of the drainage system. The waterlogging in these central areas has cast a shadow over the authorities’ claims of having upgraded the city’s drainage infrastructure. The Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) had earlier touted the completion of drainage projects in the city centre as a major achievement, assuring citizens that the frequent waterlogging problems would be addressed.

A senior official from the SMC earlier admitted that there might be issues with the drainage system that need to be addressed. “We will ensure that necessary measures are taken to prevent such incidents in the future.”