The Yamuna River has crossed the danger mark, prompting the Central Water Commission (CWC) to issue a flood warning for Delhi on Tuesday evening. The river's water level reached 204.56 meters at the Old Railway Bridge (ORB) by 9 PM, slightly down from 204.58 meters at 9 AM, but officials forecast it may climb to 205.36 meters by Wednesday, surpassing the danger mark of 205.33 meters.

The CWC has urged authorities to remain vigilant and take action at vulnerable points. "People residing within the river embankments shall be warned, and arrangements made to shift them to safer places," the warning stated. Evacuations are set to begin if the water level reaches 206 meters, a threshold that could trigger significant flood risks.

The surge is primarily due to high volumes of water released from the Wazirabad and Hathnikund barrages, with the latter discharging approximately 36,658 cusecs and Wazirabad releasing 35,640 cusecs hourly, according to the flood control department. Heavy rainfall in the upper catchment areas of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh has further exacerbated the situation, pushing the river's flow to critical levels. Water from these barrages typically takes 48 to 50 hours to reach Delhi, contributing to the sustained rise.

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An official from the central flood room noted, "The forecast is of further increase in level, but it is likely to remain below the danger mark by today evening." Despite this, the situation remains precarious, with even lower upstream discharges raising concerns.

The Old Railway Bridge serves as a critical observation point for tracking the river’s flow and potential flood risks. The city’s warning mark is set at 204.50 meters, with the danger mark at 205.33 meters. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation, and agencies like the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and Delhi Jal Board are on high alert.

Delhi’s Irrigation and Flood Control Department has activated its first flood warning, with 24/7 patrolling of embankments and preparations for potential evacuations in low-lying areas. The government has assured residents that measures, including relief camps in six districts (east, southeast, north, northeast, central, and south), are in place to handle a flood-like situation.

This is not the first time Delhi has faced such a threat. In July 2023, the Yamuna reached a record high of 208.66 meters, causing widespread flooding, mass evacuations, and disruptions in areas like ITO, Rajghat, and Civil Lines. Lessons from that event are shaping current preparedness, with a focus on early warnings and multi-agency coordination.

As Delhi braces for potential flooding, the next 48 hours will be critical. Authorities are working round-the-clock to mitigate risks, but public cooperation remains essential to ensure safety.

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