SRINAGAR: The Kashmir Trade Alliance (KTA) has expressed serious concern over the recurring waterlogging in several markets and commercial areas of Srinagar following recent heavy rainfall, stating that the situation continues to disrupt business activities, inconvenience shoppers, and expose deficiencies in the city’s drainage infrastructure.
In a statement, KTA President Aijaz Ahmad Shahdhar said there is an urgent need to address the persistent problem of waterlogging through a comprehensive and long-term strategy rather than temporary measures. He said the repeated inundation of roads and market areas causes financial losses to traders, damages infrastructure, and creates immense inconvenience for the public.
Shahdhar noted that many of the city’s small sewerage drains are either clogged, damaged, or in need of immediate repair, significantly reducing their capacity to drain rainwater. He urged the concerned departments to undertake proper desilting, repair damaged drainage channels, and ensure their effective and scientific utilization so that rainwater is discharged efficiently.
He further appealed to the authorities to conduct regular maintenance of the drainage network, remove encroachments obstructing water flow, and improve stormwater management to prevent the recurrence of such situations during periods of heavy rainfall.
The Kashmir Trade Alliance expressed hope that the administration would take prompt and effective action to strengthen Srinagar’s drainage infrastructure and provide lasting relief to traders, residents, and visitors.