While much is being touted about Srinagar being transformed into a smart city, a brief spell of rain on Monday punctured all these claims exposing that there is nothing smart about the city. Lal Chowk, Polo View, SMHS Road, Nawab Bazar, Bemina, Eidgah, Rainawari, and several other areas were flooded exposing the faulty drainage system. The roads looked like rivulets and water seeped into homes and shops. It was complete flood-like situation with manholes overflowing. People were enraged, genuinely so, authorities silent, unfortunately. Everyone was raising questions – what if rains continue for couple of days, you don’t need Jehlum to overflow and flood the city, the faulty drainage system is enough to do the needful.
Fact of the matter is that much publicized Srinagar Smart City project that was launched in 2017, but got a push only after 2019, has failed to achieve what it was supposed to. The basic aim of the project was to transform Srinagar into a modern, eco-friendly urban hub through infrastructural upgrades, improved public services etc. But the reality on the ground indicates that instead of doing what the project was expected to do, those assigned with the job only concentrated on cosmetic upgrades for photo-ops.
The waterlogging has exposed severe deficiencies in city’s drainage system which is the biggest failure of the Smart City Project. Locals of these areas claimed that they had never witnessed such waterlogging before and not even during 2014 floods. The drainage system is inadequate with chocked drains and overflowing manholes always threatening a flood like situation whenever there is a drizzle.
Cosmetics upgrades are ok, you beautified Lal Chowk, made it colourful and thus a selfie point but on July 7/8 the reality of this selfie point was exposed as the faulty drainage system resulted into worst water logging. Same is true about Polo View. The new look of Polo View was inaugurated with much pomp and show and the other day, it was presenting the ugliest look with dirty water of drains seeping into the shops around.
As the project is already marred by allegations of corruption and the Anti Corruption Bureau (ACB) is investigating the senior officers of Srinagar Smart City Limited (SSCL), the government of the day should ensure that the investigation is speeded up and those who have indulged in unfair means at the cost of the very wellbeing of Srinagar city, face the law. While ACB should speed up its investigation, the government and civic authorities should pull their socks and see how the drainage system could be corrected. It is a major issue that Srinagar city is face to face with and government can’t remain a silent spectator. The government has to take corrective measures to save the city.