Commissioner SMC Conducts Extensive City Tour to Review Waterlogging Situation; Monitors Dewatering Operations Across Srinagar

Srinagar, July 20: In view of the persistent rainfall and the resultant waterlogging in several parts of Srinagar, Commissioner, Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC), Mr. Faz Lul Haseeb, IAS, today conducted an extensive tour of vulnerable areas and key public establishments to assess the prevailing situation and review the Corporation’s dewatering and emergency response measures.

During the visit, the Commissioner inspected several waterlogging-prone locations, including Government Medical College (GMC) Srinagar, Eidgah, Khanyar, Hari Singh High Street (HSHS) and other low-lying areas across the city. He was accompanied by Joint Commissioner (Administration), Ms. Nuzhat Qureshi, JKAS, Executive Engineers of the Drainage Circle, and other senior officers of the Corporation.

The Commissioner reviewed the functioning of dewatering stations, mobile pumping units, stormwater drainage infrastructure, and the deployment of field teams engaged in round-the-clock operations. He directed the concerned officers to ensure uninterrupted functioning of all dewatering facilities, maintain continuous surveillance of vulnerable locations, and respond promptly to reports of water accumulation, particularly around hospitals, major roads, commercial hubs, and other critical public infrastructure.

Emphasising the importance of proactive field management, the Commissioner instructed officers to intensify monitoring during the ongoing spell of inclement weather, strengthen coordination among all engineering wings, and ensure that pumping stations, drains, and stormwater drainage networks remain fully functional to facilitate the swift discharge of rainwater and minimise inconvenience to the public.

The Commissioner also reviewed the preparedness of emergency response teams and directed officials to keep adequate manpower, machinery, and mobile pumping units readily available for immediate deployment wherever required. He stressed that uninterrupted civic services and public safety must remain the Corporation’s foremost priority during the prevailing weather conditions.

The Srinagar Municipal Corporation’s 24×7 Control Room continues to remain fully operational to receive and address public grievances related to waterlogging and other civic emergencies. Citizens have been advised to report incidents of water accumulation, blocked drains, or related issues through the SMC Helpline Numbers 0194-2474499, 0194-2470465, or the Toll-Free Helpline: 1800-180-7038. Dedicated emergency response teams have been deployed across the city to ensure timely intervention and effective grievance redressal.

Reaffirming the Corporation’s commitment to public welfare, the Commissioner stated that the Srinagar Municipal Corporation remains on high alert and will continue to take all necessary measures to safeguard public safety, protect critical infrastructure, and ensure the uninterrupted delivery of essential civic services throughout the ongoing rainy spell. He also appealed to citizens to make use of the 24×7 SMC Helpline for the prompt reporting and redressal of waterlogging-related issues.