Rehan Qayoom Mir
Srinagar, Apr 30: The incessant rainfall for the three straight days left the streets in Srinagar inundated and its residents grappling with significant inconvenience.
Despite ongoing developmental projects spearheaded by Srinagar Smart City Limited, the City’s drainage system faltered, exacerbating the plight of commuters and sparking frustration among the local residents.
The downpour quickly transformed streets into small ponds, hampering pedestrian movement and causing traffic snarls across the City.
In addition to the drainage woes, the sorry state of roads compounded the traffic woes, adding to the misery of the commuters.
Expressing anger over the situation, the locals and commuters alike, who spoke to KNO, said they are not just battling with the issue of water logging but also navigating through pothole-ridden roads, making the commute a nightmare.
They added the dilapidated condition of roads, coupled with the ineffective drainage system, led to prolonged delays and chaos on the streets. “We the motorists found ourselves manoeuvring through flooded streets and potholes, further slowing down the already congested traffic flow,” said Tahoor, a local.
Uzma, a resident of Rajbagh, said the authorities need to wake up and address the issue of roads before it’s too late.
“While Srinagar Smart City Limited has undertaken various infrastructural projects aimed at modernizing the city, the latest inclement weather conditions have underscored the urgent need for comprehensive planning and execution to tackle such challenges effectively,” said another local, Zahoor Ahmad.
In response to the mounting criticism, officials from the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) assured that concerted efforts would be made to improve road conditions and enhance the drainage network.
“We acknowledge the grievances of the residents, and we are committed to rectifying the situation,” said an official.
