The streets of Srinagar, usually bustling with activity, were marred by chaos as incessant rains wreaked havoc, inundating several areas and disrupting normal life on Saturday. Residents across the city faced inconvenience as reports poured in of water-logged streets and blocked roads.
From downtown to uptown areas, including Malkhah, Nowhatta, Khanyar, and Khayam, the deluge left its mark, severely restricting movement and causing frustration among the populace. Lanes and roads turned into streams, leaving residents stranded and exacerbating the challenges of daily life.
Amidst the chaos, residents voiced their discontent, lamenting the city's inadequate infrastructure despite claims of being a "smart city." The recent downpour laid bare the deficiencies in drainage systems, with every rainfall resulting in widespread flooding. Despite assurances from the authorities, little progress seems to have been made in addressing these pressing issues.
Of particular concern is the state of the drainage system, which residents criticized as dysfunctional. Despite promises of improvement, the recurring problem persists, casting doubt on the efficacy of the Srinagar Municipal Committee's initiatives, including the SSCL project, which purportedly aims to alleviate such woes.
The situation mirrored across various localities, including Rambagh, Natipora, Bemina, Mehjoor Nagar, and Indra Nagar, further underscoring the city's vulnerability to natural calamities exacerbated by inadequate infrastructure.
As residents grapple with the aftermath of the deluge, questions loom large over the city's preparedness to mitigate such crises in the future. With each rainfall unearthing the same issues, urgent action is imperative to fortify Srinagar's infrastructure and shield its residents from the perils of inclement weather.