Yamuna nears danger mark in Delhi; officials urge evacuation from low-lying areas

New Delhi: The water level of the Yamuna River in Delhi inching towards danger mark on Thursday, prompting authorities to initiate precautionary measures and urge residents in low-lying areas along the riverbanks to evacuate to safer locations.

Officials from the district administration and disaster management teams were seen patrolling the vulnerable areas in boats, requesting people to leave their homes along with their children and essential belongings.

“Yamuna’s water level is rising rapidly. Please move to safer places with your children and families," the authorities, using portable loudspeakers, made repeated announcements.

The Yamuna level reached 205.03 metres at 5 pm on Thursday, just a few notches away from the danger level of 205.33 metres at the Old Railway Bridge, officials said.

At 8 am, the water level was recorded at 204.88 metres, crossing the warning level of 204.50 metres; and, since then the water level has been increasing.

"Water discharge at Hathnikund Barrage was recorded at 32,640 cusecs and 46,290 cusecs at Wazirabad Barrage on Thursday evening at 5 pm," the bulletin from the district magistrate East office said.

For the first time in this monsoon season, the discharge from the Hathnikund barrage in Haryana exceeded 50,000 cusecs, peaking at 61,000 cusecs around 6 am on Wednesday.

"Since then, around 50,000-40,000 cusecs of water have been released from the Hathnikund barrage every hour," the official added.

The warning mark for the city is 204.5 metres, while the danger mark is 205.33 metres, and evacuation starts at 206 metres. The Old Railway Bridge serves as a key observation point for tracking the river's flow and potential flood risks.

Irrigation and Flood Control Department (I&FC) minister Parvesh Verma held a ground inspection at regulator drain no. 12 at Indraprastha Estate.

"During this season, Yamuna’s water level typically rises. The department is fully alert and active. The significant difference this time is that all gates of the ITO Barrage are open. Unlike the year 2023, no gate is closed, and hence, the flow of water remains uninterrupted. The situation is completely under control,” Verma said.

That around 12,000 residents in low-lying areas have already been alerted, and the respective sub-divisional magistrates (SDMs) are actively monitoring the situation. Plans are in place to safely relocate people to secure areas if necessary, the minister added.

"All barrages, regulators, pumping stations, and drainage systems are being closely monitored. Drain cleaning and backup arrangements have also been reviewed to ensure preparedness," Verma added.

Water released from the barrage typically takes 48 to 50 hours to reach Delhi. In 2023, the Yamuna reached an unprecedented level of 208.66 metres.