Srinagar, July 19: Heavy rainfall on Sunday brought much-needed relief from the prolonged heatwave in Kashmir but simultaneously exposed Srinagar's fragile urban drainage system, as waterlogging disrupted normal life across several parts of the city.

Following hours of moderate to heavy rain, roads were inundated and storm drains overflowed in several localities, leading to traffic disruptions and inconvenience for commuters. Officials said water accumulated rapidly in low-lying areas due to the intensity of the rainfall, overwhelming the existing drainage network.
Among the worst-affected areas were Lal Chowk, Khanyar, Hawal, Rajbagh, Batamaloo, Bemina, Sanat Nagar, Hyderpora, Nowgam, Eidgah, Rainawari, Jawahar Nagar, Gogji Bagh, Dalgate and parts of Downtown Srinagar, where roads remained submerged for several hours.
Commuters faced long traffic snarls as vehicles moved slowly through waterlogged roads, while pedestrians struggled to navigate flooded streets. Several commercial areas also witnessed disruption as rainwater entered markets and shopfronts.
Residents expressed concern over the recurring problem, saying that even short spells of intense rainfall result in widespread waterlogging despite extensive infrastructure works carried out under various urban development projects.
Officials from the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) and other departments said field teams were deployed to clear blocked drains and ensure the smooth flow of stormwater. Dewatering pumps were also pressed into service at vulnerable locations to reduce water accumulation.
The rainfall came a day after Srinagar recorded its highest maximum temperature of the season at 35.9 degrees Celsius, ending an intense heatwave that had gripped the Valley over the past several days.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast intermittent moderate to heavy rainfall across Jammu and Kashmir until July 23, warning of possible flash floods, landslides, mudslides and waterlogging in vulnerable areas.
Authorities have advised residents to remain cautious, avoid unnecessary travel during heavy rain, and follow official weather advisories as the wet spell is expected to continue over the coming days.