Srinagar | August 28, 2026 | INFRAINTEL Bureau
(The Kashmir Horizon)
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has directed time-bound action on Srinagar’s stormwater infrastructure after a review identified a drainage-network deficit of nearly 2,500 kilometres against requirements projected under Master Plan 2035.
Srinagar currently has around 680 kilometres of deep stormwater drainage. Officials said approximately 15 per cent of the existing network is operating below optimum hydraulic capacity because of inadequate dimensions, ageing infrastructure, silt and solid-waste ingress.
The Srinagar Municipal Corporation presented a five-year, two-phase roadmap covering immediate de-silting, blockage removal, daily waste lifting, missing links, mechanical screens and backup power for de-watering stations.
Longer-term proposals include additional de-watering stations, separation of sewerage and stormwater networks, upgrades to old and natural drains, action against encroachments and conservation of lakes and natural drainage corridors.
The Chief Minister asked the corporation to prepare a detailed project report, coordinate with relevant departments and develop a funding mechanism. Commercial, densely populated and low-lying areas are expected to receive priority.
The plan recognises that emergency pumping alone cannot compensate for structural drainage gaps. The DPR should map catchments, rainfall intensities, outfalls, lake storage, encroachments and maintenance responsibilities, with measurable targets for waterlogging duration and network functionality.