Yamuna breaches evacuation mark, residents moved to makeshift camps

The Yamuna river crossed the ‘evacuation level’ of 206 metres at the Old Railway Bridge on Tuesday, prompting authorities to move residents from low-lying floodplains into relief camps across the Capital.

The water level, which had breached the ‘danger mark’ of 205.33 metres in the early hours, rose further to 206.4 metres by 8 p.m., according to the Central Water Commission (CWC). As per the CWC’s latest forecast, the Yamuna is expected to touch 206.9 metres by 7 a.m. on Wednesday and could rise further thereafter, keeping authorities on high alert.

Safety assurance

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta visited a relief camp near Geeta Colony flyover, assuring displaced residents that “the situation is under control”. She said advance arrangements had been made for accommodation, food, water, and medicines at the camps. “The outflow of water is smooth. We have made all arrangements for residents of low-lying areas at relief camps. We are ensuring that people in low-lying areas do not face any problems,” she said, adding that desilting works carried out over the past six months have helped maintain uninterrupted flow.

Irrigation and Flood Control Minister Parvesh Sahib Singh also sought to reassure citizens after a review meeting with District Magistrates. Stressing that the city was on “war footing”, he said, “Delhi cannot be left vulnerable to the forces of nature.” He said 58 boats, 675 life jackets, 24 generators, 82 mobile pumps, and other equipment have been deployed across vulnerable sites.

The Delhi Jal Board has stationed staff on flood duty to manage water discharge at Hathnikund, Wazirabad, and Okhla barrages and ensure smooth drainage. The water level at the Old Railway Bridge is the yardstick for Yamuna monitoring. While the warning level is set at 204.5 metres, the danger level begins at 205.33 metres, and the evacuation threshold at 206 metres. Crossing the evacuation mark automatically triggers a large-scale relocation plan, under which nearly 12,500 residents are moved from six vulnerable districts to relief camps, and traffic across the Old Railway Bridge is halted.

Bitter memories

Delhi saw the worst flood in July 2023, when the Yamuna rose to 208.66 metres, flooding arterial roads and paralysing the Capital. Determined to avoid a repeat, officials said the city had undertaken significant measures this year, from desilting drains to stockpiling relief material. “Our effort is to take every necessary step in time so that the public remains safe and does not have to worry in any situation,” the CM said. Meanwhile, 16 mm of rain was recorded between 8.30 a.m. and 5.30 p.m. on Tuesday. The India Meteorological Department has forecast  more rain on Wednesday. Delhi has received 50% more rain than normal this season.