Srinagar's Lal Chowk Flooded; Amarnath Yatra Suspended as Kashmir Braces for More Rain

Srinagar: Heavy rainfall on Monday morning inundated Lal Chowk, the iconic square in Srinagar that has become a major tourist attraction after the revocation of Article 370. Images of the flooded area, including the clock tower, were widely shared on social media, with many residents expressing concern over the drainage system.

Waterlogging was reported in several other parts of Srinagar, leading to questions about the effectiveness of the Smart City infrastructure project. Officials from the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) stated that the drainage system was overwhelmed by the intensity of the rainfall, which lasted nearly two hours. Dewatering pumps were deployed to clear waterlogged areas.

However, some experts disputed this explanation. Conservation architect Hakim Sameer Hamdani said, 'The idea of a Smart City is to employ technologies and intelligent systems to improve efficiency and quality of life. Srinagar's Smart City project was based on contextless, soulless images. We need an integrated system to manage runoff water and recharge groundwater.'

SMC officials maintained that all works sanctioned under the Srinagar Smart City project, which began in April 2017, were completed. Last month, the Omar Abdullah cabinet raised concerns about contract awards and project implementation under the initiative and ordered an external audit. On Monday, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah remarked that a brief spell of rain flooded large parts of the city, indicating drainage system failure. 'They say they have completed the smart city project. Our government wants to know what has been achieved so far,' he said.

Last year, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs informed the Lok Sabha that under the Union territory's Smart Cities portfolio, Srinagar was to complete 161 projects at a cost of Rs 3,634 crore.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) Director Mukhtar Ahmad warned that widespread rain will continue across Kashmir for the next three days, with a risk of landslides and flash floods. He advised people to remain vigilant and avoid venturing near hill slopes, rivers, and streams.

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha reviewed the situation after heavy rains, flash floods, and landslides affected several districts, especially Rajouri and Poonch. The death toll rose to 17, with several people still missing. Emergency teams, including NDRF, SDRF, J&K Police, and the Army, have been deployed. Key roads in Poonch, Rajouri, Reasi, and Udhampur have been reopened, and work to restore water supplies is ongoing. Field teams have been directed to assess damage to houses and public infrastructure.

The government has extended school holidays until July 23, and the Shri Amarnath Yatra has been temporarily suspended from July 19 on both the Baltal and Pahalgam routes.