The water level of the Yamuna River was recorded at 203.33 meters at the Old Railway Bridge on Monday morning, while the warning level is set at 204.5 meters. This happened after 2.79 lakh cusecs of water was released from the Hathinkund Barrage into the Yamuna River at 8 am.
Delhi experienced a record rainfall of 153 mm within a 24-hour period ending at 8:30 am on Sunday, the highest recorded in a single day in July since 1982, as reported by the India Meteorological Department.
As per the Central Water Commission’s flood-monitoring portal, the water level at the Old Railway Bridge reached 203.18 meters at 1 pm on Sunday.
Flood warning
In response to the heavy rains, the Delhi government issued a flood warning, coinciding with Haryana’s release of over one lakh cusecs of water into the Yamuna River from the Hathnikund barrage.
The irrigation and flood control department announced the first warning, with 1,05,453 cusecs of water discharged at 4 pm on Sunday.
The CWC has stated that the water level in the Yamuna River in Delhi is rising and is expected to surpass the danger mark and rise to 205.33 meters by tomorrow.
Measures taken by Delhi government
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has called for a meeting today to address the issues of waterlogging caused by heavy rains in the city and the rising water levels of the Yamuna River, according to officials. The meeting will take place at the Delhi Secretariat and will be attended by senior officials from the Irrigation and Flood Control department and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi.
Moreover on 9 July, Atishi, the Education Minister of Delhi, issued a directive emphasising the importance of prioritising the safety of schools in the face of continuous rainfall. Education department officials, including regional directors, zonal directors, deputy directors, principals, and vice principals, have been issued directives to conduct on-site inspections of schools.
Delhi’s PWD Minister Atishi said, “…As per our calculations, it seems that by tomorrow morning, the water level of river Yamuna will cross the danger mark. We are monitoring the flow of water in case the rainfall continues…It is expected that the river will cross the danger mark tomorrow, at Old Yamuna Railway Bridge. Announcements have been made, & people living in flood plains are being evacuated. Boats have been stationed & they have proper rescue equipment. Arrangements are being made for people who have been evacuated…CM has called a review meeting today.”
“ We're expecting the water level in Yamuna River to cross 204 m by tomorrow...govt will take all the necessary preparations, if the water level of Yamuna cross 205 m, we will evacuate the people in nearby areas. CM has called an emergency meet today of all departments & will review the preparedness...leaves of all officials have been cancelled and all have been instructed to be on field..," said Delhi Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj on rain situation.
The Shahdara district police visited the Yamuna floodplains in Delhi on July 9 and issued an alert to residents regarding the rising water level of the Yamuna River. Due to heavy rainfall, the police urged local residents to evacuate the area and move to safer locations.
Source: livemint.com
