Amid Rains, defunct drainage system water logs Srinagar

Heavy rains coupled with defunct drainage caused waterlogging in several areas in the summer capital hampering pedestrian and vehicular movement.
Waterlogging was witnessed in various areas of city-centre including Residency Road, Lal Chowk and MA Road affecting pedestrian and vehicular movement.

The problem was compounded by defunct drainage system in various areas of the summer capital. Flood-like situation was witnessed in several areas due to waterlogging.
Inhabitants of Khanyar in Shaher-e-Khaas expressed resentment over inaction of authorities to de-water the submerged roads there. At Baba Demb, the road was submerged in nearly two feet water.
Shopkeepers of different markets in city complained that waterlogging severely affected their daily business while some complained that water entered their shops.

Various localities at Batamaloo, Bemina, Jawahar Nagar and Rajbagh remained worst-hit by water logging.
“We are unable to go out to fetch eatable. It is flood-like situation outside,” said residents of Moominabad Batamaloo.
They added that the dewatering pump installed by authorities in the area was not working as power supply remained snapped.
“At least, PDD authorities must ensure that the power supply is restored so that pump can work and dewater our submerged area,” said Riyaz Ahmad Dar, a local.
He added that in case of emergency, the locals have to pass through submerged lanes and by-lanes which are submerged.
Inhabitants of Shutrashahi said water has started to enter into their residential houses. Residents of Nundresh Colony-B Bemina said that the dewatering water pump remained dysfunctional since Thursday morning. “When we approached the UEED employees at this pump station they said that it had developed some technical snag. Later, it was fixed and dewatering was resumed,” they added.
Residents of Jawahar Nagar, Aloocha Bagh, Mehjoor Nagar also complained of water-logging in these areas.
Traders at Karan Nagar market said that water-logging hit their business activity.
“The movement was restricted due to waterlogging. As a result our business activity was sluggish,” said Gowher Ahmad, a trader.
Inhabitants of Gaw Kadal and Sarai Bala said drains running in these areas were blocked due to the waterlogging. They said overflow of water from drains entered several shops.
Waheed Ahmad Sofi, a resident of Qamarwari said despite forecast for rains, authorities were unprepared to prevent waterlogging. “When they knew in advance about rains, they could have pressed de-watering pumps to areas prone to waterlogging,” he added. SMC Commissioner Dr Shafqat Khan said, “we have pressed men and machinery into service and are doing our best to dewater the submerged areas,” he said.
He added that at some places, due to snapping of electricity, the pumps were not able to function.

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