Srinagar, July 19: The residents of Srinagar city faced significant inconvenience as heavy rains lashed the city on Wednesday, resulting in the inundation of several areas. The downpour not only hampered pedestrian movement in various parts but also highlighted the inadequacy of the drainage system implemented by the Srinagar Smart City project.
Among the areas severely affected by the inundating were sections of Gufkar Road, Gonkhan, Batmaloo, and various other parts of the city. Local residents voiced their strong resentment towards the Srinagar Smart City initiative, stating that despite claims of significant improvements, the proper drainage system had not been implemented.
Shopkeepers at the Goekha market expressed their unhappiness, emphasizing that the claims made by the smart city initiative were far from reality. The market, usually abuzz with shoppers, suffered a decline in business as the road leading to it became inundated, deterring potential customers.
Azad Ahmad, a local shopkeeper, informed Rising Kashmir that since morning, business had dwindled due to the lack of accessibility caused by the flooding. Similar reports emerged from other areas of Srinagar, where residents expressed their disappointment with the authorities for their failure to provide a better drainage system.
An official from the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) acknowledged the grievances and assured Rising Kashmir that the damaged drains would be repaired under the ongoing prestigious project. The official further stated that the project aimed to improve road connectivity in Srinagar and would address the drainage issues faced by the city’s residents.
Srinagar’s residents hope that the repairs will be completed swiftly, providing them with a better infrastructure that can withstand future rainfall events and mitigate the inconvenience caused by flooding.
