In Delhi, the Yamuna River has crossed the danger level mark this morning. The water level is rising due to continuous moderate to heavy rainfall in the national capital for the past few days. The water level has risen to 206.8 metres.
As a preventive measure, people residing in the low-lying areas nearby have been shifted to safer locations. The old railway bridge has been closed for operations.
Delhi Minister Parvesh Verma visited the ITO Barrage this morning to inspect the situation. Talking to reporters, Mr Verma said there is no need to panic as the situation has been under control.
He said the government has increased the water-holding capacity of the Yamuna River over the last six months by creating new channels. He also said that the water level will start to decrease from this evening.
The water level of the Yamuna River in Delhi crossed the danger mark on Wednesday morning, prompting precautionary evacuations from low-lying areas. The warning level for the city is 204.5 metres, while the danger mark is 205.33 metres. Evacuation begins when the water reaches 206 metres.
The river has swollen due to continuous heavy rainfall in the national capital over the past few days. Authorities have shifted residents of vulnerable areas to safer locations as a preventive measure against possible flooding.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the forecast for Delhi indicates a “generally cloudy sky with moderate rain” today, “thunderstorm with rain” tomorrow, “generally cloudy sky with moderate rain” on September 5, “thunderstorm with rain” on September 6, and a “generally cloudy sky” on September 7 and 8.
Meanwhile, residents of several parts of Delhi are moving out as water levels rise. In Yamuna Bazar, people waded through thigh-deep water while shifting to safer areas. In Civil Lines, shopkeepers at Monastery Market began moving their goods in anticipation of flooding.
“All shops in low-lying areas have started shifting goods. I have three shops here, and water will definitely enter. The administration has advised us to stay alert and safe. We’ve been told that waterlogging may last for 2-3 days,” said Deepak Rastogi, a shopkeeper in the market.
On Tuesday, rescue operations were carried out in Burari to evacuate farmers stranded in fields due to rising water levels. At Majnu Ka Tila, the Yamuna’s water level also rose sharply after heavy rainfall.
Authorities have restricted public movement and halted traffic at Loha Pul from 5 pm onwards after the river crossed its danger mark across the NCR.
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, who inspected the situation at Loha Pul yesterday, assured citizens that the situation remains under control. She said that while the release from the Hathnikund Barrage is expected to reach Delhi by evening, adequate arrangements are in place.
“The situation is under control. All arrangements for residents have been made, and even better measures will be ensured if needed.
Accommodation facilities have been arranged, and water flow remains within the Yamuna plains. We will not let people face any difficulty. I have also spoken to leaders of adjoining states – J&K, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Uttarakhand, and Haryana – and assured them of all possible help. Together, we will face this crisis,” the Chief Minister said.