The Yamuna River in Delhi breached the warning level of 204.50 metres, reaching 204.88 metres at the Old Railway Bridge by 8 AM on Thursday, prompting authorities to issue a flood alert. The rising water levels, driven by heavy discharges from Haryana’s Hathnikund Barrage, have put the city on edge, with officials urging vigilance to prevent a repeat of past flood crises.
According to the Central Flood Control Room, the river’s surge is primarily due to a significant release of water from the Hathnikund Barrage, peaking at 61,000 cusecs around 6 AM—the highest this monsoon season. Since then, a steady 50,000 cusecs per hour has been released, with water taking approximately 48-50 hours to reach Delhi. The danger mark for the Yamuna stands at 205.33 metres, with evacuations typically initiated at 206 metres.
The Old Railway Bridge, a critical monitoring point, reflects the growing flood risk. Delhi’s Irrigation and Flood Control Department is on high alert, with Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj assuring preparedness to handle any escalation. “Our teams are monitoring the situation closely, and we’ve ensured reserve pumps and regulators are ready,” Bharadwaj said, referencing lessons from the 2023 floods when the Yamuna hit a historic 208.66 metres, submerging key areas like Civil Lines and ITO.
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The 2023 deluge, caused by torrential rains in the Yamuna’s upper catchment areas in Haryana, Uttarakhand, and Himachal Pradesh, displaced over 28,000 residents and disrupted water supply after three treatment plants shut down. Experts attribute recurring floods to encroachments on floodplains and silt accumulation, which hinder the river’s natural flow.
Authorities have issued advisories for low-lying areas like Yamuna Bazaar and Rajghat, urging residents to avoid riverbanks. The Delhi government has activated district-level committees to monitor vulnerable zones, with rescue teams and relief camps on standby. Posts on X reflect public concern, noting the water level at 204.79 metres by 7 AM, underscoring the urgency of the situation.
As the Yamuna continues to rise, Delhi faces a critical 48-hour window to avert a flood-like situation, with officials banking on proactive measures to protect the city.
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