Karmactive Staff
Govind Tekale
The Yamuna River in Delhi crossed its danger mark of 205.33 meters on Wednesday morning, reaching 207.39 meters at the Old Railway Bridge (ORB), prompting authorities to evacuate over 10,000 residents from low-lying areas. This level is 2.06 meters above the danger mark, with the river continuing to show a rising trend according to the Central Water Commission (CWC).
Residents Evacuate Homes
At Yamuna Bazar, residents waded through thigh-deep water while moving to evacuation centers. Children rode on parents’ shoulders while elderly residents were helped by volunteers from local NGOs.
In Majnu Ka Tila, daily wage laborers are concerned about lost income during the flooding, with many families now relying on relief supplies for basic necessities.
Impact on Transportation
Traffic movement is heavily affected on Outer Ring Road from Majnu Ka Tila till Salimgarh By-Pass, according to Delhi Traffic Police. Diversions have been put in place from Wazirabad–Signature Bridge and Chandgi Ram Akhada–IP College Red Light. Commuters are advised to avoid these stretches, use alternate routes, avoid roadside parking, and follow directions of traffic personnel.
Western Railway has announced diversions of several trains due to the suspension of traffic movement at Bridge No. 249 Old Delhi Yamuna Bridge. The affected trains include:
- Sabarmati-Yoga Nagari Rishikesh Express (19031) – diverted via Sarai Rohilla – New Delhi – Sahibabad
- Bhuj-Bareilly Express (14312) – diverted via Sarai Rohilla – New Delhi – Sahibabad
- Sultanpur-Sabarmati SF Express (20940) – diverted via Sahibabad – New Delhi – Sarai Rohilla
- Bareilly-Bhuj Express (14311) – diverted via Sahibabad – New Delhi – Sarai Rohilla
The Delhi Education Department has closed 38 schools in low-lying areas for the rest of the week.
Relief Camp Conditions
At the Geeta Colony relief camp, over 300 families now live in temporary tents. Inside these crowded camps, volunteers distribute meals, blankets, and medical supplies. A health camp run by Delhi government doctors provides basic care and medications for waterborne illnesses.
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has deployed multiple teams for rescue operations, particularly in the low-lying areas near the floodplains.
Causes of Flooding
The flooding stems from two main factors: local rainfall and upstream water releases. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Delhi has experienced significant rainfall over the past days, with 19.8 mm recorded at the Delhi Railway Bridge by Wednesday morning.
Water from Hathnikund Barrage in Haryana, which discharged between 3.29-3.53 lakh cusecs on August 30-31, has now reached Delhi. This massive release occurred when barrage gates were opened following heavy rainfall in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. CWC data shows water typically takes 36-48 hours to travel from Hathnikund to Delhi.
IMD forecasts show more rain ahead: “generally cloudy sky with moderate rain” today, “thunderstorm with rain” tomorrow, and similar conditions through September 8.
Emergency Measures
Public movement and traffic are restricted at Loha Pul since 5 PM Wednesday. The Delhi Irrigation and Flood Control Department has closed key regulators including Vijay Ghat, Qudsia, Metcalfe, and Tonga Stand to prevent backflow into city drains. High-capacity pumps are operating at 24 locations, primarily in East Delhi.
Areas at highest risk include:
- Yamuna Bazar and Monastery Market
- Majnu Ka Tila
- Geeta Colony
- Madanpur Khadar and Badarpur
- Parts of Civil Lines and Wazirabad
The DDMA has established 47 relief camps across six districts for approximately 25,000 people. Emergency helplines:
- Flood Control Room: 1800-891-5324
- DDMA Helpline: 1077
- North Delhi: 011-23971234
- East Delhi: 011-22051234
Health and Safety Guidelines
The National Disaster Management Authority has issued essential safety guidelines:
- Avoid wading through moving water, especially near electrical installations
- Use only bottled or boiled water to prevent waterborne diseases like cholera
- Move to higher ground or designated relief camps if in low-lying areas
- Turn off electricity and gas connections before evacuating
- Keep important documents in waterproof containers
- Report waterlogging to helpline: 1800-891-5324 or 1077
- Follow instructions from authorities; don’t return home until advised
Delhi Jal Board reports 30% reduced water production at Wazirabad and Chandrawal plants due to high turbidity. North, Central, and West Delhi residents will face water supply disruptions for 48-72 hours. DJB helpline (1916) is operational 24/7.
Official Response
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta inspected the situation at Loha Pul on Tuesday. “The situation is under control. All arrangements for residents have been made, and even better measures will be ensured if needed.”
She confirmed coordination with leaders from neighboring states including Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Uttarakhand, and Haryana to manage the crisis collectively.
Regional Flood Situation
The flood situation extends beyond Delhi, with several northern states experiencing severe flooding. According to CWC advisories, Uttar Pradesh is facing severe flood conditions in multiple districts including Shamli, Budaun, Barabanki, Mathura, Farrukhabad, and Ayodhya.
Jammu & Kashmir is experiencing “extremely heavy to very heavy” rainfall that’s expected to continue for the next 24 hours. CWC and IMD have advised residents to stay alert for flooding in Chenab, Tawi, Jhelum rivers and tributaries.
In Chhattisgarh, water levels are rising in Mahanadi and its tributaries across several districts, while Odisha is also preparing for flooding in Mahanadi river basin districts.
Historical Data
This marks one of only a handful of times the Yamuna has crossed the 207-meter mark in Delhi. According to I&FC historical data, the river has risen above the danger mark of 205.33 meters approximately 43 times since 1962, with crossings above 207 meters being particularly rare.
The highest recorded level was 208.66 meters, reached on July 13, 2023, making that the worst flood in decades for the national capital.
Current Status
As of the latest update from the Central Water Commission, the Yamuna at Delhi Railway Bridge continues to flow in “severe situation” at a level of 207.39 meters with a rising trend, which is 2.06 meters above its danger level of 205.33 meters.
The hydrograph from the Delhi Railway Bridge monitoring station shows the water level has been steadily climbing since September 2, crossing both the warning mark (204.5m) and danger mark (205.33m). The highest flood level (HFL) recorded at this station was 208.66 meters on July 13, 2023.
For real-time updates on water levels and inundation forecasts, residents are advised to visit the CWC official website or check inundation details at https://aff.india-water.gov.in/inundation.php.
The IMD has issued red alerts for Delhi and neighboring regions, warning of continued heavy rainfall that could maintain elevated river levels in the coming days.
