Rains take lid off defunct system in Srinagar

Srinagar, Aug 5: A brief spell of rains in wee hours today exposed defunct drainage system causing massive waterlogging in various areas of the city.

Following the downpour, massive waterlogging was witnessed at Hari Singh High Street, Khanyar, Rajbagh, Baba Demb, Nowhatta, and adjoining areas of Srinagar. The residents blamed the authorities for failing to provide a robust drainage network and inadequate dewatering mechanism.

“Although the authorities are claiming that all dewatering pumps are in place. but we are witnessing major waterlogging in Downtown. Even roads in posh areas like Rajbagh were waterlogged. Authorities must revamp drainage network and also augment dewatering pumps as we are witnessing major waterlogging during rains,” said Irshad Ahmad, a local from Nowhatta.

The aggrieved residents said drainage water overwhelmed even the newly laid drains. They said despite claims of upgrading the drainage network under the Smart City project, most of the areas are witnessing waterlogging.

“Ironically, when the drainage was in old condition, we did not witness this scale of waterlogging. A few minutes of rainfall causes waterlogging now. The traders are also facing issues, and this has affected their business. People are avoiding visiting waterlogged areas in rainfall,” said a shopkeeper at Hari Singh High Street area in city centre.

Locals said that dewatering pumps are not functional during night and early morning hours. “When it rains during this period, roads get waterlogged. We urge authorities to keep the dewatering pumps functional especially during inclement weather,” they added.

Commuters in Srinagar said that waterlogging has led to major traffic issues.

An official from SMC claimed that all the dewatering pumps are working round the clock.

“Except for a few, all pumps are working on a round-the-clock basis,” he said. Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Bilal Mohiuddin Bhat, said that the administration has pressed all the dewatering pumps to ensure proper dewatering.

“Still, I will look into the issue and address it wherever necessary,” he said.