The water level in the Yamuna River in Delhi continues to rise, causing Delhi flood alert and severe flooding in residential areas and roads, necessitating emergency measures. With water levels surpassing the danger mark, the situation remains critical. The Delhi government has called for assistance from the central government to address the escalating crisis as thousands of residents have been affected by the deluge.
As of 7 am today, the water level in the Yamuna River stood at 208.46 meters, three meters above the danger mark. The situation has been exacerbated by the release of water from the Hathnikund barrage in Haryana, resulting in further flooding downstream. The Arvind Kejriwal-led government had appealed to the central government to intervene and halt the water discharge, but due to excessive rainfall in Himachal Pradesh, the barrage was compelled to release excess water.
The impact of the flooding has been felt throughout Delhi, with the Ring Road in the Civil Lines area experiencing inundation, leading to the closure of the stretch connecting Majnu ka Tila with Kashmiri Gate ISBT. This area is situated in close proximity to Chief Minister Kejriwal's residence and the Delhi Assembly. Moreover, the flood situation has severely affected Old Delhi, making the Nigambodh Ghat cremation ground inaccessible, further complicating the situation for the affected residents.
Recognizing the urgency of the situation, the Central Water Commission has predicted a drop in water flow from the Haryana barrage starting from 2 pm onwards. To address the immediate needs of the affected population, 12 teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have been deployed for rescue operations. Evacuation measures have been undertaken, and gathering in vulnerable areas has been prohibited to ensure public safety.
While Delhi itself has not witnessed heavy rainfall recently, the release of water from Haryana has resulted in immense hardships for residents living near the Yamuna River. Many individuals have been forced to evacuate their homes as floodwaters inundate their surroundings. The displacement of thousands of people has led to a pressing need for temporary shelters and relief measures to support the affected communities.
The surging water levels in the Yamuna River have caused significant disruptions and hardships for the residents of Delhi. Prompt action from the central and state governments, along with the efforts of rescue teams, is crucial in addressing the immediate needs of the affected population. As the situation evolves, coordinated response measures are essential to ensure the safety and well-being of those affected by the flooding.
