Yamuna River in Delhi Flows Above Danger Mark Due to Heavy Rain and Hathnikund Barrage Discharge

NEW DELHI: Incessant rainfall in parts of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh has led to the Yamuna River in Delhi flowing above the danger mark of 206.56 meters. The water level reached 206.56 meters at 10:00 pm on Sunday, and it breached the danger mark again on Monday morning. The continuous release of a significant amount of water from the Hathnikund Barrage into the Yamuna is exacerbating the situation, creating potential flood-like conditions.

As a result of the rising water level, the Northern Railway suspended the operation of the old Yamuna bridge (Old Loha Pul) from 2215 hrs on Sunday. The authorities are on high alert as further increases in the river's water level may impact relief and rehabilitation efforts in flood-affected low-lying areas of the national capital. Consequently, the administration has urged people to vacate these vulnerable areas for their safety.

Delhi's Revenue Minister, Atishi, stated that the government is closely monitoring the situation, especially with the discharge of over 2 lakh cusecs of water from the Hathnikund Barrage into the river. If the water level reaches 206.7 meters, certain parts of Yamuna Khadar (floodplains) might get inundated.

The situation has raised concerns among residents and officials about a potential flood-like scenario in Delhi and its neighboring regions. The Yamuna River's water level had been fluctuating around the danger mark of 205.33 meters in recent days, after reaching an all-time high of 208.66 meters on July 13.

According to the Central Water Commission's data, the water level has been rising continuously, going from 205.02 meters at 10 pm on Saturday to 205.96 meters at 9 am on Sunday, and further increasing to 206.42 meters at 9 pm. The nearby Hindon River, a tributary of the Yamuna, has also witnessed a rise in water level, leading to the submergence of several houses in low-lying areas.

In response to the escalating situation, the authorities have taken precautions to safeguard critical infrastructure. Delhi Jal Board Vice-Chairman Saurabh Bhardwaj inspected the Wazirabad Water Treatment Plant and assured that the government has constructed embankments and reinforcements at vulnerable spots to prevent floodwater from entering the water treatment plants.

Even as the situation remains critical, the India Meteorological Department has issued warnings of heavy to very heavy rainfall in parts of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand until July 25. This weather forecast further adds to the concerns of potential floods and highlights the importance of continued monitoring and preparedness by authorities and residents in the affected areas.

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