Earlier this week, a spurt of rain inundated roads at many places in Srinagar, turning them into virtual pools and putting people to inconvenience. One cannot actually control the rain but surely infrastructure can be built to ensure proper drainage of rainwater through a robust mechanism. The successive governments and the municipal corporation in Srinagar have done very little to tackle this problem.
There is actually need for upgrading urban infrastructure to address the issue of accumulation of rainwater in Srinagar and adjoining areas. Srinagar areas, more so the commercial hub of Lal Chowk and adjoining areas, have long grappled with the problem. Lal Chowk, Rajbagh, Jawaharnagar, and Bemina among other areas are known to get inundated after a few spells of rain. People frequently face waterlogging during the rainy season. It is not the case that no attempts have been made at all by the administration to address the issues. Nevertheless the persistence of the problem highlights the need for more positive action. Srinagar Municipal Corporations had at times employed de-watering pumps to ease waterlogging problem. There is need to have proper construction of drainage system to ensure that the disruptions do not keep recurring. Obviously there must be adequate funds at the disposal of SMC and other departments’ for the same. The operation and maintenance of drainages as well as sewer pipes, the repair of machinery and increasing their capacity should be done well in advance to meet any challenges. Low-lying areas in the Srinagar in particular need more attention from the civic bodies and concerned departments.
The administration must focus on improving the basic quality of life and there should be more efforts in this direction.
The common people of Srinagar have been at the receiving end. With every major rainfall they have to navigate knee-deep water for long durations.
Regular waterlogging also damages the roads. The insufficient drainage allows rainwater and snowmelt, during winter, to seep into the road surface and ultimately results in the damage to roads. It needs to be looked into and shall be addressed on priority as it would solve two problems: one that the roads would be saved and second water logging during rains would be prevented. Thus an effective and time-bound intervention from the government is the need of the hour.
