Thousands of people in Delhi have been forced to leave their homes as the water level in the Yamuna River breached a 45-year record. The water level reached 208.05 meters on Wednesday, surpassing the previous record of 207.49 meters set in 1978. The Delhi government has evacuated a total of 16,564 residents from low-lying areas and provided shelter for 14,534 people.
The Central Water Commission had earlier predicted the water level at the Old Railway Bridge to reach 207.99 meters on Thursday between 4 am to 6 am. However, the level rose to 208.05 meters at 10 pm on Wednesday. Consequently, road traffic at the Old Railway Bridge has been closed since Wednesday morning.
Due to the flood-like situation, the MCD’s Education Department has decided to close several schools in low-lying areas for Thursday. Online classes will be conducted for the affected students. The river’s water level has reached an all-time high of 207.71 meters, with no recent rainfall in Delhi.
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has appealed to Union Home Minister Amit Shah to reduce the flow of water entering Delhi from Himachal Pradesh and Haryana. Kejriwal explained that the surge in the Yamuna’s water level is not solely due to rainfall in Delhi but also because of water being released from the Hathni Kund barrage in Haryana. He requested that the water from the barrage be released at a limited rate to prevent further increases in the Yamuna’s level.
In response to the rising water levels, the Delhi government has deployed 45 boats for evacuation and rescue work. Twelve teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have also been deployed to assist in rescue efforts. All concerned authorities and stakeholders are on high alert to manage the flood situation and provide relief to affected residents.
Efforts are being made to ensure that the water level in the Yamuna River does not remain high for an extended period. All gates at Okhla Barrage have been opened to release excess water. The evacuation of residents from low-lying areas continues, with NGOs providing additional support.
The situation in Delhi remains critical, with the river’s water level surpassing previous records. Authorities are taking necessary measures to address the flood-like situation and ensure the safety and well-being of affected residents.
