Delhi CM Visits Relief Camp Amid Flood Risk
CM Gupta ensures relief as river nears danger level.
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta took decisive action on Tuesday, visiting a relief camp near the Geeta Colony flyover to assess preparations as the Yamuna River’s water level surged to 205.80 metres at the Old Railway Bridge, surpassing the danger mark of 205.33 metres. With the river inching toward the evacuation threshold of 206 metres, low-lying areas of the capital face an imminent flood risk, prompting urgent measures to safeguard residents.
Gupta, briefed by senior officials including Divisional Commissioner Needaj Semwal, reassured the public that the situation remains under control. “The water from Hathnikund Barrage, released on Monday, is expected to reach Delhi this evening, but the outflow is manageable,” she told reporters. “We have made comprehensive arrangements at relief camps for residents of low-lying areas. Despite heavy rainfall and high water releases, we are prepared to ensure no problems arise for the people.”
The Chief Minister highlighted that the current water level is not expected to reach the peak of 208.66 metres seen in 2023, which caused significant flooding in Delhi. To bolster preparedness, Gupta reached out to the governments of Jammu and Kashmir, Uttarakhand, Haryana, Punjab, and Himachal Pradesh, offering Delhi’s support. “We will help them in every way possible, and I urge the chief ministers of these states to know we stand ready to assist,” she said.
Also Read: Delhi CM Calls on Women to Lead Vedanta Marathon
Semwal issued a critical advisory, announcing the closure of traffic on the Old Railway Bridge as a precautionary measure. “The water level is expected to cross 206 metres by 5 PM. If it breaches this mark earlier, traffic will be halted immediately. There is no need to panic—we have all arrangements in place,” he assured reporters. Relief camps across the city are equipped with essentials like food, water, and medical supplies, while evacuation plans are on standby for vulnerable areas.
The rising Yamuna has heightened concerns among residents, particularly in flood-prone zones like Geeta Colony, Kashmere Gate, and Yamuna Bazar. The Delhi government has deployed teams to monitor the river’s levels round-the-clock and is coordinating with upstream states to manage water releases. As the city braces for potential flooding, Gupta’s proactive measures aim to mitigate risks and ensure the safety of Delhi’s residents in the face of this looming natural challenge.