Beyond the downpour

The heavy rainfall that paralysed Srinagar once again has exposed a problem that can no longer be dismissed as an exceptional weather event. Roads turned into streams, homes and businesses were inundated, and daily life came to a halt after only a few hours of rain. More worrying than the rainfall itself is the fact that such scenes have become routine, despite years of investment in flood mitigation and urban infrastructure. The devastating floods of 2014 prompted a large-scale reconstruction effort aimed at making the city more resilient. Stormwater pumping stations were installed or upgraded, drainage infrastructure received substantial funding, and urban flood management became a priority. Yet recurring waterlogging suggests that infrastructure alone cannot solve the problem if maintenance, planning and accountability remain weak. Urban flooding is often the result of neglected drains, encroachments, unplanned development and poor coordination among civic agencies. A drainage network can function effectively only when it is regularly desilted, protected from misuse and expanded to match the city’s rapid growth. Infrastructure designed for stormwater should not be burdened with unrelated functions that reduce its efficiency during emergencies. Climate change is increasing the frequency of intense rainfall events, making it imperative for cities to upgrade their preparedness. Srinagar must move beyond reactive measures such as emergency pumping and temporary dewatering. It needs a scientific assessment of its drainage capacity, strict monitoring of public works, integrated urban planning and regular maintenance backed by transparent accountability. The proposed independent audit of urban infrastructure is a welcome step, but its recommendations must lead to measurable reforms rather than another report on the shelf. Srinagar deserves a drainage system capable of withstanding modern climatic realities. A city that repeatedly comes to a standstill after a few hours of rain cannot claim to be resilient. Lasting solutions must now replace recurring explanations.