Relief eludes thousands in camps despite receding Yamuna levels

The water level of the Yamuna river at the Old Railway Bridge dropped below 206 metres on Saturday and is expected to show a downward trend as discharge from the Hathni Kund Barrage fell to 45,000 cusecs from the previous day’s 72,000 cusecs.

However, for over 12,000 displaced residents housed in camps, returning home is still not an option, as large parts of their neighbourhoods remain inundated. At a relief camp near Vijay Ghat, Asha Devi, 36, said conditions remain dire. “One of my children fell sick yesterday. None of them are able to attend school, and there are still no arrangements for breakfast in the morning,” she said. The mother of four said that her home remains submerged.

Bitter memories

Chanchal, 14, echoed her concern, saying she fears missing her mid-term exams scheduled for September 15 as roads in the surrounding area are still flooded. For many families, the memories of last year’s flood-triggered evacuation remain fresh. Pushpa Kumari, 43, recalled how in 2023 it took nearly a month before electricity was restored and families could return. “When we went back, everything was destroyed, and we had to rebuild from scratch. I use floodplains to grow vegetables. Now, for over a month, I will not have any income, and I do not know what is left of my home,” she said.

According to the Chief Minister’s Office, 7,200 people have been affected in east Delhi with seven relief camps set up; 5,200 in north-east Delhi with 13 camps; 4,200 in south-east Delhi with eight camps; and 1,350 in north Delhi with six camps.

The Old Railway Bridge serves as a benchmark for Yamuna’s rise: the ‘warning level’ is 204.5 metres, the ‘danger level’ 205.33 metres, and the ‘evacuation level’ 206 metres. In 2023, the river had swelled to a record 208.66 metres, flooding arterial roads across the city.

On the ground, the National Disaster Response Force teams remain stationed at Yamuna Bazar. While families continue to stay in shelter homes, officers said some residents return during the day to salvage belongings. Rescue operations are also ongoing for stranded cattle and stray dogs.

Reluctant to relocate

At Mayur Vihar, one of the largest camps, authorities are trying to shift families from roadside tents into schools. “District authorities have directed us to shift people to two schools for better sanitation and regular food distribution. However, very few people have agreed to move so far,” said a civil defence volunteer.

Meanwhile, flooding continues to disrupt traffic across the Capital. Parts of the Ring Road and Outer Ring Road remain waterlogged, prompting the Delhi Traffic Police to issue an advisory urging commuters to use alternative routes or shift to the metro. “Heavy congestion is being reported on Bhagwan Mahaveer Marg, K.N. Katju Marg and Kanjhawala Road via UER-II, Outer Ring Road, and adjoining stretches,” the advisory said.

Floodwaters have also driven reptiles out of their natural habitats into human spaces. Wildlife SOS, a conservation non-profit organisation, reported a surge in distress calls about monitor lizards spotted in homes, offices, metro stations, and colonies. “These reptiles are harmless and play a vital role in controlling pests, but fear often leads to panic,” said Kartick Satyanarayan, co-founder of the NGO.

(With inputs from PTI)