Due to heavy rainfall and increased water release from the Hathnikund barrage in neighboring Haryana, the water level in the Yamuna River has been steadily rising. Consequently, the evacuation process for residents residing along the Yamuna floodplains has commenced as the ‘Orange alert’ threshold of 206 meters has been surpassed.
As per the most recent data provided by the flood control department, the water level in the Yamuna River in Delhi was measured at 205.76 meters at 8 pm on Monday. This indicates that the river continues to flow above the critical mark of 205.33 meters. The data specifically mentions that the water level at the Old Railway Bridge was recorded at 205.76 meters during the same time period.
According to officials, the initiation of the evacuation process for individuals residing in the Yamuna floodplain area occurs when the water level reaches the “orange alert” threshold of 206 meters. The forecast suggests that the water level is expected to reach 206.65 meters by 3 am on July 11.
The rise in the Yamuna’s water level can be attributed to the continuous release of additional water into the river from the Hathnikund barrage in Haryana. This situation is further exacerbated by the ongoing rainfall across northwest India, including the national capital.
At 5 pm today, the water level in the Yamuna River surpassed the critical threshold of 205.33 meters.
Earlier in the day, Delhi Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj reassured the public that the government is vigilant and well-prepared to manage the situation effectively. The authorities are in an alert state and have taken necessary measures to address the ongoing developments related to the rising water level in the Yamuna River.
In an interview with ANI, Delhi Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj emphasized that the Delhi government is operating on high alert. As the water level in the Yamuna River is anticipated to exceed 206 meters, preparations are underway to evacuate individuals residing along the riverbanks. The government will initiate the process of safely relocating them to designated relief camps. It was originally anticipated that the water level would surpass 205 meters on July 11, but due to increased water release from Haryana, this threshold was already crossed today. The government is actively monitoring the situation and taking necessary actions to ensure the safety and well-being of the affected residents.
During a statement earlier in the day, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal reassured the public that there is no immediate flood threat in Delhi despite the increase in the water level of the Yamuna River caused by heavy rainfall over the past two days in the national capital and surrounding regions.
Kejriwal further appealed to all political parties to avoid engaging in blame games, emphasizing that it is not the appropriate time to “point fingers” at one another. Instead, he stressed the importance of collective efforts to address the current situation and ensure the safety and well-being of the residents affected by the rising water level.
Addressing a press conference after a meeting to assess the city’s response to the heavy rainfall, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal stated that it is unlikely for a flood-like situation to occur in Delhi. He assured the public that the government is fully prepared to handle any situation that may arise due to the heavy rainfall.
Kejriwal’s statement reflects the government’s confidence in their preparedness and ability to effectively manage the current weather conditions. The administration is taking proactive measures to mitigate potential risks and ensure the safety of the residents in the face of heavy rainfall.
Kejriwal emphasized the importance of unity and refraining from blame games, stating that it is not the appropriate time to point fingers or single out any individual or group. He further mentioned that the evacuation process for residents living in low-lying areas near the Yamuna River will begin once the water level surpasses the 206-meter mark, indicating the seriousness of the situation.
In the meantime, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for today in the national capital. This alert serves as a cautionary message to residents, signaling the possibility of significant rainfall and urging them to stay prepared and vigilant.
Prior to the review meeting scheduled for today, Atishi, the Public Works Department (PWD) minister of Delhi, conducted an inspection of the water level in the Yamuna River.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the national capital received a remarkable 153 mm of rainfall within a 24-hour period, ending at 8:30 am on Sunday. This recorded rainfall is the highest for a single day in July since 1982.
The IMD also reported that several regions in northwest India experienced heavy rainfall, with Delhi breaking a 41-year record on Sunday. The intensity of the rainfall across these areas highlights the significant impact of the ongoing monsoon season in the region.
Over the past two days, the national capital witnessed various incidents including house collapses, uprooted trees, and waterlogging in several residential colonies. The impact of heavy rainfall has been evident in different parts of Delhi.
Areas like Chanakyapuri, Kaka Nagar, Bharti Nagar, and other regions under the jurisdiction of the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) also experienced waterlogging issues, including diplomatic enclaves.
Additionally, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) reports that the convergence of a western disturbance and monsoonal winds is contributing to an intense rainfall period across northwest India, including Delhi. This has resulted in the occurrence of the season’s first instance of “very heavy” rainfall, causing widespread effects in the region.