Rehan Qayoom Mir
Srinagar, Apr 19: Frequent waterlogging in several parts of Srinagar, particularly on the Humhama-Airport Road—a VVIP route leading to the city’s international airport—continues to cause massive traffic jams and inconvenience to commuters, residents, and tourists.
Despite repeated complaints, authorities have failed to find a permanent solution, leaving the public frustrated.
According to reports, rainfall began late Thursday night and continued into Friday, once again exposing the poor drainage infrastructure in the city.
A stretch of road outside Sher-e-Kashmir Park turned into a virtual pool, forcing pedestrians to wade through ankle-deep water. Videos of the scene quickly went viral on social media, drawing sharp criticism from the public.
“This is the so-called Smart City. One rainfall and the road looks like a swimming pool,” said Irfan Ahmad, a commuter.
Several other areas—including Lal Chowk, Dalgate, Karan Nagar, Bemina, and the Humhama-Airport Road—also witnessed severe water accumulation. Residents complained about traffic chaos and the disruption of daily life.
A local resident near Sher-e-Kashmir Park said even light showers result in flooding. “The drainage is either blocked or poorly planned. Crores have been spent on the Smart City project, but we see no relief,” he said.
Other residents echoed similar concerns, questioning the utility of installing fancy lights and fountains when basic infrastructure like drainage remains inadequate. “This reflects poor planning,” said Arif Wani, another local.
Residents living along the Humhama-Airport Road, frequently used by VIPs and tourists, said the problem is getting worse every year. “This is the first impression visitors get when they arrive in Kashmir. It’s embarrassing,” said another local.
With the city bracing for more seasonal rains, residents are demanding immediate action to upgrade the drainage system and ensure that Srinagar lives up to the promise of being a Smart City.
Meanwhile, speaking to reporters about the ongoing waterlogging, the SMC Commissioner said that a total of 104 dewatering stations have been made functional. These stations, according to him, are operating smoothly and currently running below capacity, with water being managed efficiently.
He added that in areas where dewatering stations are not yet in place, mobile pumps have been deployed. For instance, in areas like IG Road, which experienced water logging, a permanent dewatering station has now been sanctioned. Until its construction is complete, a mobile dewatering pump has been stationed at the site.
