The water level in Delhi’s swelling Yamuna climbed much higher overnight, flooding homes and highways and triggering emergency measures.
At 7 a.m. today, the water level in the Yamuna was 208.46 metres, as the Hathnikund barrage in Haryana continued to dump water into the river. The water level is currently three metres above the danger mark.
The Arvind Kejriwal government had sought the central government to intervene and block the barrage’s water discharge, but the central government responded that excess water from the barrage had to be released.
The barrage has been filled due to extremely strong rains in Himachal Pradesh, where the monsoon has caused widespread devastation.
Yamuna Flooding: Ring Road Flooded, Water Treatment Plants Shut, Schools Closed
The Ring Road in Civil Lines area has been flooded and the stretch connecting Majnu ka Tila with Kashmiri Gate ISBT is closed. This spot is barely 500 metres from the residence of Chief Minister Kejriwal and Delhi Assembly.
Owing to the rise in water level, three water treatment plants have been shut. This may hit the national capital’s drinking water supply. Chief Minister Kejriwal announced this morning that all schools, government-run and private, are being shut down. The decision is taken in view of the waterlogging situation.
The Chief Minister today requested that people stay away from flooded areas. It is said that waterlogged areas are being abandoned by the administration. The participation of citizens is needed for evacuation.”The most important thing is to save lives.” “I appeal to all Delhiites to assist one another in this time of crisis,” he tweeted.
According to the Central Water Commission, the water flow from the Haryana barrage is likely to begin decreasing about 2 p.m.
People have also been urged not to utilise the Nigambodh Ghat cremation ground. Old Delhi remains one of the worst-affected locations by the flooding. A total of 12 National Disaster Response Force teams are on the ground to assist in rescue efforts.