The Srinagar Municipal Corporation has justifiably announced its press conference announcing its plans for a 40,000-litre water storage tank which is an excellent step towards making our city more actively prepared.
In addition to providing large capacity water tankers, the SMC is working to provide continuous supply of water to residents in advance of Muharram and during the time of the Amarnath Yatra.
For the entire summer in Srinagar, you have similar demand for water; there is always a large congregation of religious pilgrims and they will always pour into the valley.
These two factors have historically resulted in serious overload of the city’s water distribution system.
The first step in moving from a reactive management to a proactive approach to urban development is the tractor-deployment of a new fleet of four 10,000-Litre water tankers by the SMC; a clear indication that we are transitioning from managing crises based upon reactive responses to planning in a proactive manner.
The initiative of the present plan is reflective of lessons learned from experience of previous years through incorporation of Annual Maintenance Contracts (AMC) and through improvement of inter-departmental co-ordination with the Water Works Division, ensuring that there are no gaps in supply as has been experienced in the past.
To provide immediate access to safe drinking water for participants along the paths of processions; congregation sites; and transitory locations (camps). The city’s municipal government continues to provide safe drinking water for use; however, due to the provision of inadequate utility infrastructure, the conduct and sanctity of major festivals must not be disturbed as a result of insufficiently available water supply.
Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) has been exemplary with their immediate and citizen-focused response, and committed to creating a resilient urban infrastructure through the development of responsive public services.
The temporary emergency response to augment the infrastructure is expected to be the basis for any future upgrades to the city’s public utilities.
For the city to continue its growth, it will need to create new and permanent water pipelines to reduce reliance on emergency supply tankers.
At this time, the temporary augmentation demonstrates SMC’s willingness and preparedness to help meet the higher demands that will be placed on the city during its peak summer period.
