Rising Yamuna triggers flood alert across low-lying areas in Delhi

The Yamuna River in Delhi crossed its warning level on Thursday, prompting authorities to issue alerts for a possible flood-like situation. According to officials, the water level at the Old Railway Bridge reached 204.88 metres. The warning mark is set at 204.5 metres, meaning the current level has gone above it.

The rise in the Yamuna’s water level is due to continuous rainfall in the river’s upper catchment areas, including Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Haryana. Additionally, water released from the Hathnikund Barrage in Yamunanagar district of Haryana is flowing into Delhi, contributing to the increasing levels of the river.

With this situation, all concerned agencies in the national capital have been asked to remain alert. Precautionary steps are being taken to avoid flooding in nearby low-lying areas. These areas often face waterlogging and flooding when the Yamuna crosses danger or warning levels.

A senior official said that the situation is being monitored closely. “We are keeping a close watch on the water level. If it continues to rise, more areas could be affected. We are ready to respond if the situation worsens,” the official added.

The Central Water Commission (CWC) is also tracking the river’s flow and providing regular updates to Delhi authorities. CWC experts say that further rise in the water level will depend on rain intensity in the coming days and the water released from upstream states.

Agencies begin preparations in low-lying areas

After the alert was issued, the Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), along with civic agencies, started preparations in areas close to the Yamuna. These include evacuation plans, setting up relief camps, arranging food and drinking water supplies, and deploying rescue teams in vulnerable areas.

District administrations have identified critical areas near the river, including parts of Yamuna Bazar, Monastery Market, and areas along the Ring Road near ITO. People living in makeshift homes and jhuggis near the riverbanks are being advised to shift to safer places.

“We are informing residents and asking them to cooperate. Boats, emergency vehicles, and relief supplies are already being kept ready,” said a municipal officer. He added that public announcements are being made and shelters have been set up in schools and community buildings.

Last year, the Yamuna had crossed the danger mark in Delhi and caused serious flooding in the capital, including water entering homes, temples, and roads in several areas. The administration is now taking early action to avoid such a repeat.

Officials said that though the river has crossed the warning mark, it is still below the danger level. The danger level for Yamuna in Delhi is 205.33 metres. However, continuous rainfall or sudden release of large volumes of water can cause the river to swell quickly.

At present, there is no report of water entering any residential areas, but authorities have asked citizens to stay alert and follow official instructions. The public is being urged not to go near the riverbanks or attempt to cross the river in boats or on foot.

Meteorological reports indicate that rainfall may continue in parts of north India over the next few days. If this happens, water levels in the Yamuna may rise further.

What citizens should know

• Yamuna has crossed 204.88 metres in Delhi; warning level is 204.5 metres.

• No water has entered homes yet, but low-lying areas are being monitored.

• Rescue teams, boats, and shelters are ready in case of an emergency.

• People living near the river are being advised to move to safer places.

• The situation is being watched by Central Water Commission and DDMA.

• Citizens are advised to avoid going near the Yamuna or flooded areas.

• Rainfall in northern states could worsen the situation.

The government has also asked its departments to coordinate and share real-time updates with each other. Teams from the irrigation, revenue, and health departments are working together to manage any crisis that might occur.

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In case of any emergency, people can contact the 24x7 helpline numbers released by the Delhi government. These include numbers for ambulance services, flood control rooms, and emergency rescue.

Authorities are hopeful that with timely alerts and public cooperation, the situation can be brought under control. For now, they are focusing on keeping people safe and reducing possible damage from a flood.