New Delhi: The Yamuna River in Delhi exceeded the warning mark of 204.5 metres on Monday due to the additional water released from the Hathnikund barrage in Haryana. This release was prompted by the persistent rainfall in the upper catchment regions, as reported by the PTI.
As per the flood bulletin, the water level at the Old Railway Bridge rose to 204.63 metres by 1pm on Monday. The Yamuna River’s water level is anticipated to rise to 205.5 metres between 10 a.m. and noon on Tuesday, beyond the danger mark of 205.33 metres.
Delhi’s Chief Minister, Arvind Kejriwal, addressed a press conference, assuring that a flood-like situation is unlikely but that the government remains prepared. The Delhi government issued a flood warning and is raising awareness among residents near river banks. Kejriwal also announced that evacuation plans will be activated once the river surpasses the 206-metre mark.
According to the irrigation and flood control department, the flow rate at the Hathnikund barrage showed a gradual rise, reaching 3,05,768 cusecs at 5 a.m. on Monday. However, by 1 a.m., it had decreased to 1,90,837 cusecs. The normal flow rate is 352 cusecs, but heavy rainfall in the catchment areas increases the flow.
Northwest India experienced incessant rainfall for the past three days, causing “heavy to extremely heavy” precipitation in Jammu and Kashmir, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan. This led to overflowing rivers, damaging infrastructure, and disrupting essential services in Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Punjab. Delhi received its highest July rainfall in a single day since 1982, with 153 mm recorded in 24 hours.
(With Agency Inputs)