Yamuna water level crosses 45-year record, Delhi on high alert
After days of heavy rain in Delhi, Yamuna River swelled to all time high level in the past 45 years as it crossed the 207.49-metre mark on Wednesday. Following which Delhi is on high alert.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the government said the water level of Yamuna in the Delhi crossed the danger mark today.
In such a situation, the government has started the work of shifting people from the areas falling in the submergence area of Yamuna to safer locations.
In view of this, on Tuesday, Irrigation and Flood Control Minister Saurabh Bhardwaj reviewed the preparations for relief measures in Akshardham.
Bhardwaj said the Delhi government is prepared to deal with any situation and evacuation of people from the submerged area has already begun.
People living in the affected areas are being shifted to camps set up in different districts of Delhi. Additionally, departmental officers have been instructed to be vigilant and take necessary and prompt action in sensitive areas. Meanwhile, quick response teams and boats have been deployed to help people in the submerged area.
Bhardwaj shared that according to estimates, Yamuna is flowing above the danger mark since last night. The people of the JJ cluster living on the banks of Yamuna are being rescued in tents. About 2 to 2.5 thousand camps have been set up in 6 districts of Delhi.
Arrangements have been made for their stay and food in these camps, he said.
“As soon as the Yamuna falls below the danger mark, these people will be able to go back to their respective homes. Carpets and mattresses have also been arranged for the convenience of the people in these camps. If there are signs of any kind of disease, then a medical team will be sent by the government.”
The Minister said more than 1,700 camps have been set up in East District while there are about 200 camps in North East and South East.
“Since last night, the district team has been busy in shifting people to safer places. People living in the submerged area are being requested to leave the unsafe place and come to the camps, so that there are no unfortunate accidents,” he said.
“It should be noted that the possibility and danger of flooding in Delhi is based on two factors. First, how much rain Delhi received. The risk of flooding in Delhi due to the rains is generally very low. Secondly, water comes from Himachal to Haryana and from Haryana to Delhi through Yamuna. The risk of floods in Delhi is more dependent on the water that is released from Hathini Kund into the Yamuna. In such a situation, the Delhi government has set up several control rooms, including a central control room, to monitor flood-prone areas and the water levels of the Yamuna,” he said.
