Sopore, Mar 02 (KNO): Intermittent rains across the Kashmir Valley have led to waterlogging in several areas of Sopore in north Kashmir's Baramulla district, with the affected locals urging authorities to address the recurring issue.
Residents from various localities of Sopore town have voiced concerns about persistent waterlogging problems, saying this is happening due to the lack of proper deep drainage facilities.
"Every time it rains, improper drainage systems in the town lead to significant waterlogging issues," they informed the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO).
Areas such as Krankshivan Colony, Model Town, Sub District Hospital, Gousia Abad, New Colony, and Shah Dargah are among the worst affected by waterlogging.
"It's not the first time we're facing such challenges, but authorities need to address this persistent issue, which poses significant risks to people, especially children and the elderly," locals told KNO over the phone.
Yasir Najar, a resident of Gousia Abad locality, said waterlogging after every rainfall has become a routine. There is an urgent need for a proper drainage system to address the issue effectively, he said.
Residents criticised the authorities, saying that despite claims, they have failed to address the issue for a long time.
Residents of Model Town (B) said inundated lanes and bylanes have made life difficult for them. “During rainfall, our roads resemble small ponds. We face immense difficulties leaving our homes. Our streets are submerged, and we have to wear tall shoes to navigate through the water,” they said.
Speaking to KNO, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Municipal Council Sopore, Tariq Reshi, acknowledged the situation and said they have proposed several deep drainage projects to rectify the issue. “We are actively monitoring the situation and have deployed dewatering pumps to alleviate the problem,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Municipal Council in Sopore has issued helpline numbers for the public to seek assistance during emergencies caused by adverse weather conditions. It has urged the residents to contact Sanitary Inspectors and Sanitary Supervisors of the Municipal Council of Sopore in case of any waterlogging issues.
Contact numbers for sanitary supervisors:
For Ward 1 & 2: Mehraj u Din Sheikh 9541663632, Ward 3: Hilal Ahmad 6005177119, Ward 4: Abdul Rehman Dar 6006470847, Ward 5: Fayaz Ahmad Sheikh 7889504480, Ward 6: Gulabi Sheikh 7051435382, Ward 7: Lateef Ahmad Sheikh 9149853094, Ward 8: Shabir Ahmad Sheikh 6006524759, Ward 9: Abdul Rehman Sheikh 7889837251, Ward 10: Azad Ahmad Sheikh 7780817848, Ward 11: Ali Mohammed Sheikh 7006759619, Ward 12: Abdul Rehman Sheikh 7889837251, Ward 13: Firdous Ahmad Shah 7006950922, Ward 14: Imtiyaz Ahmad Shah 9541191559, Ward 15: Nazir Ahmad Sheikh 6006335036, Ward 16: Farooq Ahmad Sheikh 8493004736, Ward 17: Rukhsar Ahmad 6006746027, Ward 18: Reyaz Ahmad Sheikh 7889901715, Ward 19: Abdul Hameed Sheikh 7006337252, Ward 20: Nazir Ahmad Magray 9596022977, Ward 21: Mohammed Ashraf Dar 9906122558—(KNO)