Srinagar reels under widespread waterlogging after heavy rain, major roads and localities inundated

Srinagar: Hours of heavy rainfall left large parts of Srinagar submerged on Monday, inundating roads, markets and residential localities, disrupting traffic and exposing the city’s persistent drainage crisis despite repeated assurances of infrastructure upgrades.

From the city’s southern entry points to the downtown areas, rainwater accumulated on several roads, forcing motorists to crawl through flooded stretches while pedestrians struggled to wade through ankle-to-knee-deep water.

Some of the worst-hit locations included Dalgate, Buchwara, Boulevard Road, Babademb, Habakadal, Khanyar, Safakadal, Bemina, Soura and Sonawar, where overflowing drains and stagnant rainwater disrupted normal movement for several hours. Residents from several of these areas said even moderate rainfall now results in flooding of roads and lanes, reflecting what they described as the city’s inadequate storm-water drainage system.

Traffic movement remained sluggish on several major roads as vehicles negotiated waterlogged stretches. Two-wheelers were among the worst affected, while pedestrians, schoolchildren and elderly residents were forced to take long detours to avoid inundated roads.

In commercial areas, shopkeepers complained that rainwater entered business establishments, reviving concerns that have surfaced repeatedly over the years whenever the city witnesses sustained rainfall. Similar complaints were received from low-lying pockets where drains overflowed within hours of the downpour.

The Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) swung into action by activating all dewatering stations and deploying mobile pumps, dewatering units and mechanical teams to vulnerable locations. SMC Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of Srinagar Smart City Limited, Faz Lul Haseeb, said machinery and manpower had been dispatched immediately after complaints of waterlogging were received.

According to the civic body, priority was given to dewatering operations around PCR, SMHS Hospital, Jehangir Chowk and Lal Chowk, while additional teams were deployed to clear clogged drains and restore normal drainage in other affected localities.

The latest spell of rain has once again brought into focus Srinagar’s ageing drainage infrastructure. Urban planners point to rapid urbanization, shrinking wetlands, encroachments on natural water channels and inadequate maintenance of storm-water drains as major reasons why many parts of the city continue to flood after every heavy shower.

Only days ago, officials from Srinagar Smart City Limited carried out inspections of several historic drainage channels, including Kutte Kul, Sonar Kul and Rainawari Kul, as part of an effort to improve the city’s water discharge system.

The rainfall followed the Meteorological Department’s forecast of an active wet spell across Jammu and Kashmir till July 23, accompanied by warnings of heavy rainfall, flash floods, landslides and waterlogging in vulnerable areas.

Locals, however, said emergency dewatering after every spell of rain cannot substitute for a long-term solution. They urged the administration to modernise Srinagar’s drainage network, desilt major drains before every monsoon season and protect the city’s natural flood channels from encroachment.

With more rain forecast over the next two days, authorities have advised the public to avoid unnecessary travel through inundated stretches and urged motorists to exercise caution while driving through waterlogged roads. [KNT]