Rehan Qayoom Mir
Srinagar, Sep 1: Heavy showers of rain on Monday evening, lasting only a few hours, left Srinagar’s Residency Road, Dal Gate and other important stretches waterlogged, exposing poor drainage in the City’s commercial hub despite ongoing Smart City projects.
The sudden downpour submerged large portions of the road, causing severe inconvenience to commuters and shopkeepers.
As per details available, videos and pictures from Dalgate and other areas showed vehicles wading through knee-deep water with pedestrians forced to walk along inundated pavements.
The chaos sparked strong criticism from locals, who questioned the effectiveness of the Smart City drainage system.
“This is supposed to be the showcase of Srinagar Smart City, yet every spell of rain turns it into a water city,” said Imtiyaz Ahmad, a shopkeeper near Dal Gate, while pointing to the water outside his shop. “If this is a Smart City, where is the smart drainage?”
Another commuter expressed frustration while pushing his scooter through the flooded stretch. “We hear crores are being spent in the name of Smart City, but even a small shower exposes the reality. Instead of ease, it only creates trouble for us.”
The waterlogging also triggered traffic jams, with many vehicles breaking down midway. Auto drivers and cab operators said they were the worst hit.
“It is not safe to drive in such water. Engines stop working and passengers refuse to board,” said Mohammad Yaseen, an auto-rickshaw driver at Dalgate.
Meanwhile, the Meteorological (MeT) Centre Srinagar issued a fresh advisory, warning of more intense showers in the region. “A system is approaching Srinagar. Heavy and intense showers accompanied with thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds are expected over many parts of Srinagar, Ganderbal and Budgam,” the advisory read.
It also urged people to stay away from electric poles, old trees and loose structures, and advised suspension of shikara riding and boating activities in all water bodies, including Dal Lake.
Moreover, residents urged authorities to take immediate measures to clear the choked drains and prevent further waterlogging. “The rains are not in our control, but drainage surely is. If this is the condition after one evening’s rain, what will happen if it rains for days?” asked another resident. (KNO)
