dr. fiaz fazili
Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, is often hyped as a potential “smart city,” a term that promises modern infrastructure, efficient urban management, and improved quality of life for its citizens. Despite being labelled a smart city, Srinagar’s roads frequently clog with water after even a short downpour raising questions on urban planning and infrastructure management. This piece explores the challenges posed by potholes, manholes, and the drainage infrastructure in Srinagar. It also discusses the key performance indicators that could measure compliance and accountability of engineers, urban city planners and civil society.
Understanding the Problem: What Does a Smart City Mean for the Common Man?
A “smart city” implies a technologically advanced and well-managed urban area where infrastructure, services, and governance are integrated to ensure efficiency, sustainability, and quality of life. For the common man, this means improved public services, better living conditions, and a seamless urban experience that prioritizes the well-being and convenience of its residents. In the context of rain-induced flooding, a smart city would be one where infrastructure is resilient, walking and driving on safe, dry roads, even after a heavy downpour. The issue of urban roads getting clogged with rainwater is not unique to Srinagar; it occurs in many cities worldwide, particularly those facing rapid urbanization and inadequate infrastructure. However, Srinagar’s situation is exacerbated by specific challenges that require focused attention.
The Reality of Srinagar’s Roads and Drainage System
One of the most glaring issues in Srinagar’s infrastructure is the deplorable state of its roads. Potholes are ubiquitous, making travel not only uncomfortable but also dangerous. These potholes are often the result of poor construction materials, inadequate maintenance, and the inability to withstand weather conditions. The situation worsens with the presence of improperly covered manholes, which pose significant hazards to both pedestrians and vehicles. The lack of proper signage and warning systems exacerbates these dangers, leading to frequent accidents. The drainage system in Srinagar is another critical concern. A minor downpour can clog roads and lanes, disrupting daily life and commerce. This issue stems from several factors: inadequate drainage infrastructure, poorly designed water outlets, and lack of regular maintenance. The city’s natural topography, coupled with haphazard urban planning, exacerbates the situation, leading to waterlogging and flooding in various parts of the city.
Where Did Srinagar City Planners Falter? Several factors contribute to this problem:
Inadequate Drainage Systems: One of the primary reasons for waterlogging is the lack of an efficient drainage system. Many parts of Srinagar have outdated or poorly maintained drainage infrastructure, incapable of handling even moderate rainfall.
Inadequate Drainage Infrastructure: Srinagar’s drainage systems are often outdated and insufficient to handle the volume of water during rains. Many of the city’s drains are narrow, shallow, and poorly maintained, leading to quick clogging and overflow.
Urbanization and Land Use: Rapid urbanization and haphazard land use planning have exacerbated the problem. Encroachments on natural water channels and wetlands have reduced the city’s ability to absorb rainwater, leading to surface runoff and flooding.
Urban Planning and Encroachments: Unplanned urbanization and encroachments on natural water channels and wetlands have disrupted the natural flow of water. This has reduced the city’s capacity to manage excess rainwater, resulting in frequent waterlogging
Blocked Drains and Sewers: Regular maintenance of drains and sewers is often neglected, resulting in blockages from debris, plastic waste, and sediment. This exacerbates flooding during rain, as water cannot flow freely. The irresponsible of people and residents who throw plastic and garbage in drains which causes clogging of drains
Lack of Regular Maintenance: Regular cleaning and maintenance of drainage systems are often neglected. Accumulation of debris, plastic waste, and sediment blocks drains, preventing proper water flow during rains.
Topography and Climate Challenges: Srinagar’s geographical location and climate patterns, characterized by heavy rains, contribute to the challenge. The city’s bowl-shaped topography can cause water to accumulate in low-lying areas. Srinagar’s bowl-shaped topography makes it prone to water accumulation, particularly in low-lying areas. Without adequate drainage solutions, even a small downpour can lead to significant waterlogging.
Uncivilised behaviours: How callous can ,”We the Srinagarites be to throw our home wastes into drains,used plastic bottles , wrappers of potato chips, etc even diapers in drains.
Impact on Daily Life
For the common man, the flooding of roads poses several challenges. It disrupts daily commutes, causes traffic congestion, damages vehicles, and increases the risk of accidents. Moreover, stagnant water becomes a breeding ground for mosquitoes, leading to health issues like dengue and malaria. The inconvenience and economic losses due to waterlogging affect businesses, education, and overall quality of life.
Performance Indicators: Gauging Compliance and Accountability:
What Baffles Me? The Discrepancy Between Aspiration and Reality. The concept of a “smart city” involves using technology and data to enhance the efficiency and quality of urban services. However, the state of Srinagar’s roads and drainage systems paints a different picture. A smart city should ideally have well-maintained roads, efficient waste management, and a reliable drainage system. Unfortunately, Srinagar has not achieved near perfection on these fronts, leaving citizens questioning the city’s commitment to change Srinagar into a smart city.
The lack of accountability is another baffling aspect. Who are the engineers responsible for the city’s road and drainage systems? The frequent breakdown of infrastructure suggests a systemic issue, possibly lack of expertise, or inadequate resources. The absence of a transparent mechanism to hold these professionals’ accountable further compounds the problem.To genuinely transform Srinagar into a smart city, it is crucial to establish performance indicators that can gauge compliance and ensure accountability. These indicators could include:
Quality of Road Infrastructure: Metrics such as the frequency of potholes, quality of construction materials, and durability of roads can help assess the state of the road network.
Drainage Efficiency: Indicators like the speed of water drainage after rainfall, frequency of waterlogging, and maintenance schedules for drains can provide insights into the efficiency of the drainage system.
Safety Measures: The presence and condition of road safety features, such as proper signage around manholes and barriers near construction sites, are critical for ensuring public safety.
Public Satisfaction: Surveys and feedback from residents can serve as qualitative indicators of the city’s infrastructure quality and management effectiveness.
Responsiveness to Issues: The speed and efficiency with which municipal bodies respond to infrastructure issues can also be a key performance indicator.
Toward a Smarter Srinagar: Recommendations:
The challenge of rain-induced flooding in Srinagar is a pressing issue that undermines the city’s aspirations of becoming a smart city. Addressing this problem requires a concerted effort from the government, private sector, and citizens. By investing in infrastructure upgrades, embracing smart technologies, and fostering a culture of environmental responsibility, Srinagar can transform itself into a city that meets the expectations of its residents and stands as a model of sustainable urban development. For the common man, a smart city is not just about digital amenities but also about practical solutions that enhance daily life and resilience in the face of challenges. To align Srinagar’s infrastructure with its smart city aspirations, several steps need to be taken:
Engineers and Urban Planners: Their Role and Responsibilities
Urban planners and engineers play a pivotal role in developing and maintaining a city’s infrastructure. In Srinagar, their responsibilities should include designing durable road networks, ensuring efficient drainage systems, and regularly maintaining existing infrastructure. However, the current state of affairs suggests probably a disconnect between these professionals and the city’s needs.Several factors could contribute to this issue a lack of skilled professionals or inadequate training programs for existing staff there might be insufficient oversight and accountability mechanisms to ensure that projects meet quality standards. Addressing these issues requires a comprehensive approach, including professional development programs, stricter anti-corruption measures, and enhanced transparency in project management.Conduct a thorough Infrastructure audit of the city’s roads and drainage systems to identify weaknesses and areas for improvement. Utilize technology integration for real-time monitoring of infrastructure conditions, allowing for timely maintenance and repairs.Public Engagement involving citizens in reporting issues through digital platforms, ensuring that their concerns are addressed promptly. Invest in professional development training programs for engineers and urban planners to enhance their skills and knowledge. Implement strict oversight mechanisms on “Transparency and Accountability” to ensure that projects are completed to the highest standards and that public funds are used efficiently.
The state of Srinagar’s roads and drainage system is a far cry from the vision of a smart city. The prevalence of potholes, improperly covered manholes, inadequate drainage infrastructure , and uncivilsed behaviours throwing all plactic bottles , wrappers , empty soft drink cans, diapers into drain reflects a city grappling with basic urban issues. To truly become a smart city, Srinagar needs to address these fundamental problems, establish clear performance indicators, and hold engineers and urban planners accountable. Only then can the city hope to provide its residents with the quality of life that a smart city promises.
Author besides being a medical doctor at Mubarak hospital , is very active in positive perception management of various moral, social and religious issues. He can be reached at drfiazfazili@gmail.com & twitter
