The Chief Minister of Delhi, Kejriwal, expresses concern about the rising water level in the Yamuna River, which is projected to reach 207.72 meters tonight. With the water level already reaching 208.48 meters at 8 am today, areas across the city are facing flooding and waterlogging. In this blog post, we delve into the rapid surge in the Yamuna River’s water level, the evacuation measures taken by the government, and the impact on low-lying regions.
Rapid Surge in Yamuna Water Level and Early Breach of Danger Mark:
Delhi has witnessed a significant increase in the water level of the Yamuna River over the past few days. Surpassing the danger mark of 205.33 meters 18 hours earlier than expected, the water level rose from 203.14 meters on Sunday at 11 am to 205.4 meters on Monday at 5 pm. To ensure the safety of residents in flood-prone areas, the Delhi police have implemented section 144 CrPC as a precautionary measure.
Evacuation Efforts and Safety Measures:
The Delhi government has prioritized the evacuation of individuals residing in low-lying areas. A total of 16,564 individuals have been relocated to safer places, with 14,534 of them provided accommodations in tents or shelters throughout the city. Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has urged the Central Water Commission to take immediate action to address this impending crisis, as outlined in his recent letter.
Overflow and Waterlogging in Low-Lying Areas:
Areas such as Kashmiri Gate, ITO, and others located in low-lying regions are experiencing the overflow of water from the Yamuna River. Atishi, a Delhi minister, explains that the river naturally overflows its banks when the water level reaches this point. The surrounding ‘nalas’ are also filled with water, leading to waterlogging in areas such as ISBT, Ring Road, and ITO. Continuous communication with Haryana authorities is underway to minimize the release of water and prevent the situation from worsening. The Public Works Department (PWD) has closed several roads affected by flooding in Delhi.
The Water Level in Yamuna:
The current water level in the Yamuna River is 207.55m, surpassing the previous record set in 1978 when the river reached 207.49m. Breaking records, the water level at the Old Railway Bridge surpassed the 207-meter mark, marking the first such occurrence since 2013. With a forecasted rise to 207.72 meters before stabilization, precautions have been taken, including the relocation of people from flood-prone areas and the closure of the Old Railway Bridge for road and rail traffic.
Conclusion:
The rising water level in the Yamuna River poses significant challenges to Delhi, with areas experiencing flooding and waterlogging. The government’s proactive evacuation efforts and precautionary measures aim to safeguard residents from imminent risks. Stay informed about the current water level and forecasts to ensure your safety and plan accordingly.
