Srinagar, March 15, 2025 – As heavy rainfall lashed Srinagar City on Saturday, the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) swiftly mobilized its workforce and machinery to combat waterlogging across various neighborhoods. The intense downpour, which began early in the day, prompted immediate action from SMC teams, who were deployed to “ground zero” for dewatering operations to mitigate the impact on residents and infrastructure.
The SMC’s response was highlighted through a series of updates shared on social media, showcasing their efforts at multiple locations across the city. Visuals from areas such as SMHS Hospital Road, Qamerwari, Hafiz Bagh, Khanyar Kirmani Lane, and Pladium Gali Lal Chowk depicted men and machinery working tirelessly to clear waterlogged streets. The corporation emphasized its commitment to public service, stating, “Due to heavy downpour, men and machinery are on ground zero for dewatering operations across Srinagar City.”
Srinagar has a history of waterlogging during heavy rains, often due to inadequate drainage systems and the city’s topography. However, the SMC has been proactive in recent years, enhancing its dewatering capabilities. With 95 static dewatering stations and a mechanical dewatering capacity of 2,198 cusecs—up from 1,470 cusecs in 2018—the corporation is better equipped to handle such situations. Additionally, hundreds of mobile dewatering pumps have been kept on standby to address localized flooding.
Residents in low-lying and vulnerable areas, including Lal Chowk, Qamerwari, and Khanyar, expressed relief at the SMC’s rapid response. “The water was rising quickly near SMHS Hospital Road, but the SMC team arrived with pumps and cleared it efficiently,” said a local shopkeeper. However, some citizens pointed out that certain lanes and bylanes remained inundated, urging the authorities to ensure comprehensive coverage.
Commissioner SMC, Dr. Owais Ahmed, has been closely monitoring the operations, ensuring coordination with field teams. The corporation also leveraged advanced technology, with 67 of its 100 dewatering stations under real-time surveillance via the SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) system. This allows for efficient management of water levels, pump operations, and sump monitoring from the SCADA Main Control Centre at Darish Kadal.
The heavy downpour, forecasted by the Meteorological Department as part of a wet spell in March, tested the city’s infrastructure resilience. SMC officials assured the public that all pump stations remain fully operational, and additional resources have been deployed to critical areas. “Our teams are working round the clock to alleviate the hardships faced by residents,” an SMC spokesperson said.
For residents requiring assistance, the SMC has provided helpline numbers—0194-2470465, 0194-2474499, and the toll-free number 1800-180-7038—available through its 24×7 Control Room. The corporation urged citizens to report waterlogging issues promptly to facilitate a swift response.
As the rain continues, the SMC’s efforts underscore its ongoing commitment to improving Srinagar’s preparedness for adverse weather conditions. While challenges remain, particularly in upgrading the city’s drainage network, today’s operations reflect a determined push to keep Srinagar functional amidst nature’s fury.