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Written by: Farooz Ahmad Lone

Category: ENVIRONMENT

Published: 01 August 2019

SRINAGAR: It’s utterly ironic that, having witnessed colossal loss of lives and property due to massive 2014 floods, the government of Jammu and Kashmir especially SMC Srinagar still displays lackadaisical attitude as Srinagar, the heart of Kashmir, immersed in water by mere two-hour downpour on Thursday. “The heavy downpour today exposed the government and the SMC Srinagar in particular.” Said Shakir, a commuter.

He further added, “After the 2014-floods, the government of Jammu And Kashmir State was supposed to initiate and work on various development projects so as to keep away the state even from the threat of floods…But unfortunately, the state of affairs is contrary because a few hours rain disturbed everyone here. What if it rains a week likewise?”

The heavy rain started early in the morning and continued for a couple of hours which, due to the weak drainage system and intense water-logging, caused the rain water accumulate and the capital city of the state, Srinagar, got submerged in knee-deep water. The water accumulation upshoted into traffic jam in the city thus popped up severe difficulties for the students, employees and others.

 While talking to the Kashmir News Bureau (KNB), the deputy mayor of Srinagar Sheikh Imran said, “I have spoken to the secretariat to sanction 1100 crore rupees for 732 kilometers drainage deficit. But the “Babu Log” (referring to the bureaucrats of the state) do not pay heed to the difficulties the people of the city go through.”

He further stated that the “Babu Log” come from Cheshma Shahi to secretariat, they do not understand and care about the students of Srinagar as their own children study outside the state. And if they do not pay attention and sanction the said amount of rupees, the whole of Srinagar will get submerged deep as mere pumps cannot come to rescue all the time.”