Srinagar, July 20,: Heavy rainfall lashed Srinagar on Monday, inundating several low-lying areas and causing widespread waterlogging that disrupted normal life across the city. The downpour, which followed forecasts of an active wet spell in the Valley, left roads submerged and water entering residential houses, commercial establishments, hotels and restaurants in the Buschwara-Dalgate area.
Boulevard Road, one of Srinagar’s busiest tourist corridors along the banks of Dal Lake, remained completely inundated, severely affecting vehicular movement and inconveniencing commuters, tourists and local businesses. Videos circulating on social media showed large stretches of the road submerged under rainwater, with vehicles struggling to navigate through flooded sections.
Residents and business owners said rainwater entered several homes, shops, hotels and restaurants in the Buschwara-Dalgate locality, causing damage to property and disrupting commercial activity. They alleged that inadequate drainage infrastructure has turned even moderate spells of rainfall into a recurring urban crisis.JVC Hospital has also got submerged much frustration to the patients and attendants.
The latest spell of waterlogging has once again raised questions over the effectiveness of the Srinagar Smart City project.
Residents expressed disappointment that despite significant investments in urban infrastructure, key roads and commercial areas continue to witness flooding after heavy rainfall, calling for urgent improvements to the city’s drainage network.
Authorities were monitoring the situation and efforts were underway to drain accumulated water from the affected areas. [KNT]
