New Delhi: The Yamuna River in Delhi reached 207.55 metres on Wednesday, marking its highest-ever level by breaking a 44-year record, said Delhi Flood Control Department officials
The officials claimed that the previous record for the Yamuna’s highest water level was set in 1978 at a height of 207.49 meters. The river’s water level had risen to 207.33 metres in 2013.
Delhi Chief Minister, Arvind Kejriwal, called an emergency meeting in the wake of rising levels of water in the Yamuna. Locals in the low-lying areas are being relocated to safer places by the rescue and rehabilitation team.
CM Kejriwal urged the Centre to intervene to ensure the water level does not rise further. He also highlighted that there has been no rain in Delhi for the last two days and the Yamuna water level is rising due to the water being released by Haryana at Hathnikund barrage.
“Central Water Commission predicts 207.72-meter water level in Yamuna tonite. Not good news for Delhi. There have been no rains in Delhi last 2 days, however, levels of Yamuna are rising due to abnormally high volumes of water being released by Haryana at Hathnikund barrage. Urge Centre to intervene and ensure that levels in Yamuna don’t rise further Highest Flood Level 207.49m (in 1978) Current Level 207.55m” tweeted Kejriwal.
Talking about the water level rise in the Yamuna, Delhi Minister Atishi said, “The Delhi government is fully prepared to tackle any situation. We are regularly conducting evacuations near the Yamuna River. Several embankments have been installed to prevent the breach of water. We are monitoring the situation continuously.”
“We have made all necessary arrangements, including fans, bathrooms, medical facilities, and others, in relief camps. The water level is continuously rising in the Yamuna River, and we are prepared to deal with any unforeseen situation,” added Atishi.
Northwest India experienced incessant rainfall for the past few days, causing “heavy to extremely heavy” precipitation in Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh. This led to overflowing rivers, damaging infrastructure, and disrupting essential services in Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Punjab. Delhi received its highest July rainfall since 1982. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Tuesday also issued an ‘orange’ rainfall alert for Delhi.