Delhi On High Alert As Water In Yamuna Crosses Danger Level Mark, Highest In Ten Years

Thousands of people living on the Yamuna floodplains were shifted this week as the river continued to flow above the “evacuation mark” of 206 metres. Around 41,000 people inhabit the low-lying areas near the river, vulnerable to flooding. Officials said 204.5 metres is considered the “warning level”, 205.33 metres the “danger level” and 206 metres the “evacuation level”. As of 9 am, the water level was 207.32 metres.

The highest water level of 207.49 metres in the Yamuna was recorded on September 6, 1978. The level touched 207.11 metres on September 22, 2010, and 207.32 metres on June 19, 2013.

“Around 8000-9000 people have been evacuated so far. The monastery area and the boat club in the central district are vulnerable points. We have made additional deployment of relief and rescue personnel at the sites. We are closely monitoring the situation,” HT reported a Delhi government official as saying.

The official cited the forecast and said the water level will touch 207.35 metres and stabilise thereafter.

Delhi minister Gopal Rai said officials have been instructed to provide all basic facilities to the evacuees. “Approximately 2,700 relief centres/tents have been set up…can accommodate around 27,000 individuals,” he said. The government has also set up shelters in several places.

The Yamuna spans around 22km in the Capital. Its floodplains have been encroached over the years and mostly vegetables, flowers, etc are grown on them. Migrant labourers have also built hutments on the floodplains and homeless people have found shelter under the bridges.