Yamuna Nears Danger Mark, Delhi on Alert

The Yamuna River’s water level at Delhi’s Old Railway Bridge reached 205.22 meters by 9 AM on Saturday, just below the danger mark of 205.33 meters, raising concerns about potential flooding in the capital, officials reported. The Central Water Commission (CWC) has warned that the river may breach the danger mark by Sunday, with evacuation protocols set to activate if levels hit 206 meters, affecting low-lying areas like Yamuna Bazar, Rajghat, and Civil Lines.

The surge is primarily due to heavy discharges from the Hathnikund Barrage (46,968 cusecs) and Wazirabad Barrage (44,970 cusecs) hourly, triggered by relentless rainfall in the upper catchment areas of Haryana, Uttarakhand, and Himachal Pradesh. “Water released from these barrages takes 48-50 hours to reach Delhi, and even lower discharges are pushing levels higher,” a flood control room official told PTI. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts light to moderate rain through the weekend, potentially exacerbating the situation.

Delhi’s Irrigation and Flood Control Department is on high alert, with teams monitoring vulnerable embankments and preparing relief camps. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, after inspecting affected areas, assured residents that 1,500 boats and 4,000 personnel are ready for rescue operations. The 2023 Yamuna floods, when levels hit a record 208.66 meters, inundated 35,000 homes and displaced 27,000 people, serve as a stark reminder of the risks. Authorities are urging residents near riverbanks to stay vigilant and relocate to safer areas if necessary.

Also Read: Yamuna River Surges Past Warning Level in Delhi, Flood Alert Issued

Also Read: Delhi: Yamuna Surges Past Danger Mark, Flood Fears Escalate