Srinagar, Jul 20 (KNO): The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI) expresses profound grief over the tragic loss of 11 precious lives in the flash floods and landslides that struck parts of the Jammu region, particularly Rajouri and Poonch districts. The Chamber conveys its heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and expresses solidarity with all those who have suffered loss of life, property and livelihood due to this natural calamity.
The devastating flash floods once again highlight the increasing frequency of extreme weather events and the urgent need for disaster-resilient infrastructure, improved early warning systems and comprehensive mitigation measures across vulnerable regions of Jammu and Kashmir.
While Srinagar did not witness flooding, the Chamber is seriously concerned over the widespread waterlogging and inundation witnessed across many parts of the city following heavy rainfall. Several commercial areas and markets remained submerged under stagnant rainwater for hours, severely disrupting business activities and causing considerable financial losses to traders and shopkeepers.
Numerous businesses suffered damage to merchandise, furniture, electrical installations and other assets as rainwater entered shops and commercial establishments. Besides direct financial losses, prolonged waterlogging disrupted customer footfall, transportation and normal commercial activity, adversely affecting the local economy.
KCCI observes that despite substantial investments made under the Smart City programme and other urban development initiatives, the recurring problem of waterlogging in Srinagar points towards critical engineering shortcomings in the planning, design and execution of the city's storm-water drainage network. The objective of these projects was to create a resilient urban infrastructure capable of addressing such challenges, yet repeated inundation of roads and commercial markets after every spell of intense rainfall indicates that significant loopholes remain.
The Chamber believes that these deficiencies require immediate engineering rectification rather than temporary measures. Scientific evaluation of drainage capacity, hydraulic flow, road gradients, outfall connectivity, pumping mechanisms and natural drainage channels must be undertaken to ensure that the infrastructure performs effectively during periods of heavy precipitation.
KCCI urges the Government of Jammu and Kashmir, Srinagar Smart City Limited, Srinagar Municipal Corporation and all concerned departments to immediately commission a comprehensive technical and engineering audit of the city's storm water drainage infrastructure. The audit should identify design flaws, inadequate drainage capacity, blocked channels, improper gradients and other structural deficiencies, followed by a time-bound programme for corrective action.
The Chamber further recommends the preparation of an integrated urban water management strategy based on scientific hydrological studies, regular desilting of drainage channels, restoration of natural watercourses, installation of modern pumping infrastructure where necessary, and periodic maintenance before every monsoon season. Representatives of the business community should also be consulted while identifying chronic waterlogging hotspots affecting commercial activity.
KCCI also calls upon the administration to conduct a detailed assessment of the losses suffered by traders due to rain-induced waterlogging and consider appropriate relief measures for affected businesses, particularly small and medium enterprises that bear the brunt of repeated disruptions.
The Chamber reiterates that climate resilience must become a central component of future infrastructure planning. Urban development projects should not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of the city but must also deliver robust engineering solutions capable of protecting lives, livelihoods and economic activity.
KCCI also urges the Government to desist from converting open spaces, green belts, playgrounds and other permeable land into buildings or covered infrastructure in the name of development. Such spaces play a vital role in absorbing rainwater, reducing surface runoff and preventing waterlogging of roads, streets and commercial areas. Equally important is the protection and restoration of wetlands, flood basins, lakes and their natural channels, which have historically served as Kashmir's natural flood buffers. Continued encroachments and unscientific alterations of these vital ecosystems have diminished their water retention capacity, exacerbating urban waterlogging and increasing the city's vulnerability to extreme weather events. The Chamber stresses that future urban planning must integrate sound engineering with environmental conservation to build a resilient and sustainable urban landscape—(KNO)