Sagrika Sharma
Sri Vijaya Puram | June 21— As the southwest monsoon gathers strength over the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, several key areas in Sri Vijaya Puram are once again grappling with recurring water clogging—reviving concerns over the city’s inadequate drainage infrastructure.
Localities such as School Line, Mohanpura, and the Gandhi Market area have seen repeat flooding during even moderate rainfall in recent days, exposing the city’s chronic vulnerability to seasonal disruptions. Despite annual complaints and short-term fixes, residents say the problem has remained unresolved for years.
During spells of heavy rain, waterlogging leads to temporary flooding along residential roads, market stretches, and critical traffic intersections. This not only hampers daily movement but also contributes to rapid road degradation and public inconvenience.
Trouble Spots Resurface
The School Line area—home to several educational institutions, government offices, and housing clusters—frequently witnesses ankle-deep water at key intersections. Overflowing drains and poor gradient slopes slow traffic and create slushy conditions along pedestrian routes.
Mohanpura, one of Sri Vijaya Puram’s most densely packed commercial hubs, is similarly prone to inundation. With narrow lanes and minimal outlet capacity, water tends to stagnate in front of shops and residential lanes, often remaining long after rainfall has ended.
At Gandhi Market, water regularly collects near storefronts and open drains, disrupting small businesses during peak shopping hours. Vendors report a noticeable drop in footfall whenever rain persists beyond a few hours.
While other pockets in the city also experience intermittent flooding, these three zones have become emblematic of the city’s drainage shortcomings.
What’s Causing the Clogging?
Experts point to a mix of outdated stormwater infrastructure, insufficient drainage capacity, and poor maintenance as the key reasons behind recurring flooding. Many of Sri Vijaya Puram’s drains were not designed to handle the volume of water that now accumulates during high-intensity rain or when tides run high.
In several cases, blocked culverts, garbage-choked outlets, and silt-laden drains worsen the situation. Even where desilting work is undertaken pre-monsoon, execution gaps and irregular follow-ups render these efforts ineffective.
“Unless the drains are restructured to reflect present rainfall patterns and urban load, the problem will keep recurring,” said a civil engineer familiar with the city’s layout.
Daily Life Disrupted
For residents of Sri Vijaya Puram, the flooding is more than just an inconvenience. Office-goers, students, and vendors frequently report delays due to waterlogged roads and traffic slowdowns. Hidden potholes under muddy water have also led to minor accidents and damage to vehicles.
The stagnant water, even when not dangerously deep, poses risks for pedestrians and bikers, especially during early mornings and evenings. Residents in low-lying homes also report water seepage and damage to walls and flooring during prolonged spells of rain.
Over time, the continued exposure to water erodes road surfaces and footpaths, demanding more frequent repairs and adding to urban maintenance costs.
Calls for a Long-Term Fix
Urban planners and civic activists have repeatedly called for a city-wide revamp of drainage systems—particularly in vulnerable commercial and residential zones. Recommendations include redesigning flow pathways, installing tide-regulated outlets, and creating retention zones that can temporarily hold rainwater.
The urgency of these reforms has grown in light of increasing climate unpredictability. With extreme weather events now more frequent, monsoon rains are arriving in short, intense bursts—quickly overwhelming infrastructure not built for such volumes.
“Drainage isn’t just about clearing water anymore—it’s about future-proofing a city,” said a local urban planner. “Sri Vijaya Puram needs a drainage strategy that looks 10 years ahead, not just to the next rainfall.”
