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Written by: Press Trust of Kashmir

Category: ENVIRONMENT

Published: 01 August 2019

SRINAGAR: Tall claims of authorities regarding the flood preparedness have once again fallen flat as streets of Jammu and Kashmir's summer capital got intensively submerged by water after just few hours of rain and flood like situation was witnessed in Lal chowk, Rajbagh, Khanyar, Bemina and Mehjoor Nagar.

Several important roads, lanes and by-lanes in the commercial hub of Lal Chowk were also submerged due to water-logging, thus making the movement of pedestrians difficult. Also, it was difficult for the commuters to walk on various city roads even the Residency Road and MA Road as the roads remained deluged  and business remained affected in some parts of city.

Residents of Bemina also complained that poor drainage system has compounded their problems. Similar complaints were received from Shalteng, Usmanabad, Umerabad, Mustafabad, Zainakote, Maisuma, Indira Nagar, Iqbal Colony Sonwar, Aloocha Bagh, Shivpora, Rainawari and Soura.

Vehicular movement was hampered due to water-logging at Regal Chowk, Exhibition Crossing, Maulana Azad Road, Residency Road, Samandar Bagh, Munwarabad, Bemina, Mehjoor Nagar and some other areas. Anger was seen among commuters, shopkeepers and local residents against the authorities.

 “From one side government is claiming that the are prepared for any inconvenience but once again their claims have fallen flat as they failed to put efficient drainage system on place for quick dewatering process," said Mozim, a commuter.

Shafat, a businessman from profession said, “It was hard for us to walk through the streets and it's not for the first time that such a thing has happened. Last week, situation was similar but the authorities took no lesson from it.”

Some other areas across the Valley including Southern districts, northern districts got submerged due to the incessant rains, leaving residents of respective places worried as well as to face hardships.

Weatherman said Srinagar recorded a 26.4 mm rainfall during the morning which was highest in comparison to other places. Pahalgam recorded 16.6 mm rainfall, Gulamrag 1 mm, Pulwama 2 mm and Kokernag 1.1 mm. The weather, he said will improve by 4 pm but there is a likelihood of a downpour on Friday as well.