Srinagar on edge: Choked drains, unplanned urban growth turn rains in city into floods: Govt Action Plan

Srinagar, Aug 29: Srinagar’s growing vulnerability to devastating floods is raising alarm, with clogged drains, low-lying topography, and unchecked urban growth turning routine rainfall into a major hazard.

Waterlogging has become a persistent feature of the city, particularly during heavy showers, as inadequate drainage systems amplify the risks – from traffic disruptions and property damage to serious public health threats - according to findings under the Climate Resilient City Action Plan - Srinagar.

The report points out that Srinagar’s topography, dominated by low-lying areas, makes it especially prone to inundation.

With most drains already silted, choked, or poorly maintained, even moderate showers result in prolonged waterlogging.

This not only disrupts daily life but also weakens building foundations, damages road infrastructure, and creates conditions for the spread of waterborne and vector-borne diseases.

Even brief spells of rain or snowfall transform city roads into virtual ponds.

“A number of roads in Srinagar city almost turn into ponds immediately after a snowfall or rain. The scene is almost similar on most roads – be it at the city centre Lal Chowk, or the adjoining areas like Residency Regal Chowk, Polo View, Moulana Azad Road, and Budshah Chowk. It is no different at Exhibition Crossing and Jehangir Chowk,” the report states.

Low-lying and newly-built areas on flood channels are repeatedly affected, including Bemina, Mehjoor Nagar, Rambagh, Natipora, Chanapora, Parraypora, Sonwar, Shalteng, Usmanabad, Umerabad, Mustafabad, Zainakote, Maisuma, Indira Nagar, Iqbal Colony Sonwar, Aloocha Bagh, Shivpora, Rainawari, and Soura.

Residents point to decades of neglect of the city’s drainage system.

“Local residents complain that Srinagar’s drainage system has become so clogged with silt over the years that a few hours of rain or snowfall turns the capital city’s roads into rivulets. Most drains in the city have not been desilted for years, reducing their carrying capacity significantly,” the report says.

The problem worsened after the catastrophic 2014 floods.

“Following the devastating floods of 2014, the already inadequate drainage system was aggravated by additional silt accumulation brought on by the deluge, resulting in frequent waterlogging in the city,” the report notes.

Businesses are heavily affected.

“Shopkeepers from various markets complain that waterlogging hampers their daily operations, while others claim that water enters their stores. Waterlogging also affects the businesses of street vendors in the city centre, who struggle to find a place for putting up their stalls as a result of flooding,” the report highlights.

The report also issues a stark warning about the Jhelum River, which flows through the heart of Srinagar.

“Flash floods in the Jhelum River are a matter of great concern in Srinagar city, particularly during the monsoon season. Jhelum River flows through the heart of Srinagar, and the city is vulnerable to flooding during heavy rainfall,” it states.

It recalls the 2014 disaster: “In September 2014, the city experienced severe flash floods due to the overflowing of the Jhelum River, which caused widespread devastation in the region. Floodwaters damaged homes, infrastructure, and agricultural lands, leading to the loss of life and property.”

Experts caution that without immediate measures such as desilting drains, reinforcing embankments, and preventing construction on floodplains, Srinagar remains dangerously exposed, with routine rains potentially escalating into citywide floods.