Yamuna swells past warning level, set to climb higher

 New Delhi

The Yamuna river in Delhi crossed the warning level on Friday afternoon and continued to rise, according to the Central Water Commission (CWC) data.

It is expected to approach the danger level by Saturday morning. “After the water level crossed the warning mark this afternoon, announcements were made through boats in low-lying areas to alert residents about the rising river. These were carried out by the DDMA and the Delhi police,” Amol Srivastava, District Magistrate (East), told The Hindu.

At the Old Railway Bridge, the water level stood at 205.25 metres at 8 p.m. on Friday, according to CWC data. The warning level is 204.5 metres, while the danger level is 205.33 metres. CWC forecasts suggest the level will reach around 205.30 metres by 8 a.m. on Saturday.

The Yamuna’s water level in Delhi depends largely on the discharge from the Hathnikund Barrage in Haryana, upstream of the city.

‘No need to panic’

Typically, the river crosses the danger level during most monsoons, prompting evacuations in low-lying areas of six of Delhi’s 11 districts. Such incidents rarely disrupt the city at large. However, in July 2023, Delhi faced its worst flood in recorded history, with major roads and neighbourhoods inundated.

According to the Delhi government protocol, around 12,500 people will need to be evacuated once the water level breaches the evacuation mark of 206 metres. 

“As of now, there is no need to panic. If the river crosses evacuation levels, safe shelters with basic amenities will be set up in all flood-prone districts,” Mr. Srivastava said.