Yamuna breaches ‘danger level’; Delhi govt. starts preparing for evacuation of residents

The Yamuna river in Delhi breached the ‘danger level’ of 205.33 metres on Monday afternoon, prompting authorities to issue warnings in residential areas close to the floodplains and start preparations for the temporary relocation of the affected residents.

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, accompanied by Water Minister Parvesh Sahib Singh, visited areas near the Yamuna floodplains in central Delhi during the day.

She assured residents that the departments concerned are constantly monitoring the flow and level of the river. Ms. Gupta said that the Central Water Commission (CWC) had issued an advisory about the water level possibly rising to 206 metres.

As per protocol, the Delhi government will initiate the evacuation of nearly 12,500 people living in low-lying areas in six of the city’s 11 districts as soon as the river breaches the 206-metre mark.

No flood-like situation will arise in the city this year, assured the CM, adding that 14 boats have been deployed at key locations for relief and rescue operations. She added that in the event of inundation, only the floodplains will be affected. “Residents of these areas have already been alerted by the administration and necessary arrangements have been made to shift them to safer places,” said Ms. Gupta.

According to official data, the level at the Old Railway Bridge in Delhi, which serves as a key observation point to track the river’s flow, was 205.73 metres at 10 p.m. on Monday. It is likely to rise to 205.77 metres by 8 p.m. on Tuesday and remain above the ‘danger level’ for the next few days. The water level in Delhi rises due to the release of excess water from Haryana’s Hathnikund barrage after heavy rains in the upper Yamuna region.

Record floods in 2023

During monsoons, the Yamuna usually breaches the ‘danger level’ in the city. However, most residents and services remain unaffected. But in July 2023, when the city experienced its worst floods and the river level hit a record high of 208.66 metres, the government relocated over 25,000 people, with many areas and arterial roads being submerged by floodwaters.

Better prepared: Gupta

The CM said that the river is flowing smoothly, marking a significant improvement from previous years when obstructions caused flooding in the city.

“In the previous years, the desilting of drains and maintenance of barrages were not done properly. The ITO barrage gates were blocked and jammed. But this time, after six months of continuous work, all the gates are fully open and the desilting of drains has been completed,” she said.

Ms. Gupta added that a flood control room has been set up at the office of the District Magistrate (East). “It is now functioning as a central coordination hub for the entire city, with representatives from all civic agencies stationed 24×7,” she added.

The Haryana government controls the ITO barrage. The 2023 floods had sparked a war of words between Delhi, which was then governed by the Aam Aadmi Party, and the BJP-ruled Haryana.