As temperatures soared past 34°C in Srinagar on Saturday, hundreds of residents from across the city sought relief at the Jhelum Riverfront, turning the otherwise calm stretch into a lively escape from the intense summer heat.
From early afternoon, families, children, and youth began gathering along the riverbanks, dipping their feet in the cool waters and enjoying the shade of the newly developed recreational spots. Several people were seen wading into shallow parts of the river, splashing water and enjoying the rare reprieve from power cuts and the rising mercury.
“This is the only place where we can breathe a little in this scorching heat. There's no electricity at home, and fans barely work,” said Shakeela Bano, a resident of Rajbagh who visited the riverfront with her grandchildren. “The Jhelum has become our natural AC.”
The Jhelum Riverfront, recently developed under the Smart City Mission, has increasingly become a preferred hangout for residents during summer months. With tree-lined walkways, stone seating, and cleaner embankments, the area has become a much-needed urban lung for Srinagar.
Teenagers played cricket nearby, while street vendors selling kulfi, bhel puri, and iced juices did brisk business. Youngsters used their phones to stream music, creating a festive, almost carnival-like atmosphere.
Local authorities deployed police and municipal teams to ensure safety and cleanliness, as the crowds surged toward the evening. Lifeguards were also stationed at key points to prevent any mishaps, though officials warned people not to venture too deep into the river.
“We’re happy people are enjoying the riverfront, but we urge them to stay cautious,” said a senior official from Srinagar Municipal Corporation. “We’ve increased patrols and put up warning signs.”
With more heatwaves predicted in the coming days, the Jhelum Riverfront is expected to remain a favored refuge for many in the city. While experts emphasize the need for long-term solutions to tackle urban heat and energy deficits, for now, the cool breeze off the river and the splash of water offer residents a simple, time-tested way to beat the heat.