The Yamuna River in Delhi has surged past the critical 207-metre mark, with the water level at the Old Railway Bridge recorded at 207.48 metres at 7 am today, according to official data. The river, swollen by heavy rainfall upstream, has unleashed floodwaters that continue to inundate low-lying areas across the capital, creating widespread disruption.
Between 2 am and 5 am, the water level remained steady at 207.47 metres, inching up slightly to 207.48 metres by 6 am, where it held firm until 7 am. Authorities predict a slight decline after 8 am, as per the flood control bulletin issued Wednesday evening. However, the damage is already evident, with floodwaters encroaching on critical areas of the city.
The Delhi Secretariat, home to the offices of the Chief Minister, cabinet ministers, and senior bureaucrats, is now alarmingly close to the flood zone. Nearby, Vasudev Ghat and the revered Shri Marghat Wale Hanuman Baba Mandir near Kashmere Gate have been inundated, disrupting local communities and religious activities. Roads in these areas are waterlogged, with traffic grinding to a halt and residents wading through knee-deep water.
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The Old Railway Bridge, a critical gauge for monitoring the Yamuna’s flow, underscores the severity of the situation. As the river rages, it poses significant flood risks to Delhi’s densely populated areas. The revenue department reports that 8,018 people have been relocated to temporary tents, while 2,030 others have been moved to 13 permanent shelters to ensure their safety.
Despite the chaos, the Delhi government has urged calm, assuring residents that it is maintaining a round-the-clock vigil to monitor the situation. Emergency response teams are on high alert, with rescue and relief operations in full swing. Authorities have deployed boats and personnel to assist stranded residents, while food and medical supplies are being distributed to those in shelters.
Local residents expressed growing concern. “The water came so fast, we barely had time to move our belongings,” said Rajesh Kumar, a shopkeeper near Kashmere Gate. “This is the worst flooding I’ve seen in years.” Others voiced frustration over disrupted commutes and the lack of immediate infrastructure to manage the crisis.
The Yamuna’s rising waters have also raised questions about Delhi’s preparedness for such extreme weather events. Urban planners and environmentalists have long warned that unchecked construction along the river’s floodplains and inadequate drainage systems exacerbate flooding risks. As the city grapples with this crisis, calls for long-term solutions are growing louder.
For now, Delhi remains on edge, with all eyes on the Yamuna’s water levels. Authorities are hopeful that the river will recede soon, but until then, the capital braces for further challenges as it battles the deluge.
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