Traffic jam on the Delhi-Gurugram expressway on Monday.
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The Irrigation and Flood Control (I&FC) Department issued a “flood warning” in the Capital on Monday after the Haryana government released over 3 lakh cusecs of water into the Yamuna through the Hathnikund Barrage, upstream of Delhi. The release of excess water, due to heavy rain in the upper catchment areas of the Yamuna, caused a steady rise in the river level in the city.
By 11 p.m., the water level at the Old Railway Bridge — a key observation point to track the river’s flow — stood at 205.19 metres, according to Central Water Commission data. The river is likely to breach the ‘danger level’ of 205.33 metres and the ‘evacuation level’ of 206 metres on Tuesday.
As per protocol, the Delhi government must 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.
An official said that tents and relief camps are being set up in areas likely to be affected. “All basic amenities such as food, water, and toilets are being arranged in coordination with the agencies concerned. Teams have been deployed to assist in evacuating people and their livestock,” the official added.
Earlier in the day, alerts were sounded in low-lying areas informing residents about the rising water level and urging them to move to higher ground.
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said, “Given the volume of water released from the Hathnikund Barrage, it is estimated that the water level may rise to 207 metres or slightly higher.” However, she added, the Delhi government and all flood-related departments are fully prepared and on high alert.
Officials monitoring Yamuna level at the Old Railway Bridge.
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SUSHIL KUMAR VERMA
“The large-scale desilting of the Yamuna and its drains over the past six months has significantly strengthened flood defences. All barrage gates have been opened to ensure smooth flow and prevent stagnation. The water is flowing out as swiftly as it enters,” said the CM.
The city experienced its worst floods in July 2023, when the river level reached a record high of 208.66 metres. Nearly 25,000 people were relocated, with many areas and arterial roads submerged by floodwaters.
‘Very heavy’ rain ahead
The District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), Gurugram, issued an advisory asking schools and offices to shift to the online mode. Gurugram received over 100 mm of rainfall between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Monday. The India Meteorological Department has forecast “heavy to very heavy rain” over the National Capital Region (NCR) on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, heavy traffic snarls were reported from Delhi and Gurugram, with commuters being stranded on roads for hours following the downpour over the NCR. Traffic flow was impacted particularly in south Delhi and along the Ring Roads due to waterlogging.
(With inputs from PTI)
Published – September 02, 2025 12:53 am IST
