Srinagar, Sept 16 (KNS) : Persistent waterlogging on the Bag-i-Mehtab–Kralpora road has become a major cause of concern for residents and commuters, who allege that the absence of a proper drainage system has made the problem routine.

Every spell of rain leaves nearly half a kilometer stretch of the road near the local park and Hotel New Sahil inundated, bringing vehicular and pedestrian movement to a standstill. Locals said the stagnant water not only makes commuting difficult but also overflows into adjoining houses and shops.

“With even a minor downpour, the road is submerged. Our homes and shops face the risk of inundation, yet the SMC has not taken concrete measures to resolve the issue,” said Sahil Ahmad, a resident. He added that even temporary de-watering pumps are not deployed to mitigate the flooding.

The problem, residents say, hits the most vulnerable. Two-wheelers and auto-rickshaws face accidents risk due to the submerged stretch, while ambulances and vehicles carrying patients are often delayed.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel“The elderly and the sick suffer the most as access to hospitals and essential services gets hampered,” another local said.

Despite repeated complaints, residents allege that their concerns remain unaddressed. They said the engineering wing of SMC had last year prepared estimates for laying drainage at the site, but the proposal was never included in the corporation’s work plan.

A senior SMC drainage official, when contacted, acknowledged the issue. “We are aware of the problem. Estimates were prepared, but due to paucity of funds the work could not be taken up this season. Hopefully, in the next working season we will be able to execute the drainage construction to permanently address the waterlogging at this stretch,” the official said.(KNS)