Heavy rain inundates parts of city

Our Correspondent

SRINAGAR, APRIL 20

The continuous rainfall since Sunday morning has flooded many parts of Srinagar and adjoining areas, making commuting a difficult experience.

“The government is not taking any lessons from the past. The threat of flood looms large because the drains are lying dysfunctional and there is no place for water absorption. The government is not doing anything except mere de-watering, which cannot be done everywhere due to limited resources. Work on drains should be immediately started,” said city resident Anzar Ahmad.

People said despite appealing to the authorities time and again to install a permanent drainage system, the officials concerned were in a slumber, taking people for a ride.

“The flooding also damages macadamised roads, increasing the risk of accidents. The government must improve the drainage system is Srinagar on priority to save this city from worsening further,” said another resident.

To ensure quick de-watering of the city, Kashmir Divisional Commissioner Gazanffar Hussain today toured various areas, including Lal Chowk, Exhibition Crossing, Radio Kashmir, Ikhrajpora, Darich Kadal, Qamarwari, Polo view and Rambagh, which were the worst affected.

He directed the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) to press into service more mobile pumps across the city, particularly at the vulnerable points, for speedy de-watering of the submerged areas.

The frequent rain from the last month has exposed the ailing drainage system in Srinagar, as even slight rainfall makes the level of water rise as most of the drains are lying defunct.

Infrastructure worth millions was damaged by floods in Kashmir in September last year, in which Srinagar became the worst victim, losing most of its civic infrastructure.