The water level of the Yamuna River in Delhi has crossed the danger mark. The risk of flood has increased due to the release of lakhs of cusecs of water from the Hathnikund Barrage. The administration has advised people in low-lying areas to remain alert.
Delhi Flood: The threat of flood is looming once again in Delhi. The water level of the Yamuna River is continuously rising and has crossed the danger mark. The administration is on alert mode following the release of lakhs of cusecs of water from Haryana's Hathnikund Barrage. There are apprehensions that the situation might be similar to what occurred in 2023.
Water Continuously Being Released from Hathnikund Barrage
The release of water from Haryana's Hathnikund Barrage began on Saturday itself. According to the administration, 272000 cusecs of water were released by 7 AM on Sunday. Subsequently, by 8 AM, this figure increased to 311032 cusecs, and by 9 AM, 329313 cusecs of water had been released.
Experts suggest that the water released from the barrage takes approximately 48 to 50 hours to reach Delhi. This implies that the water level of the Yamuna may rise further in the coming two days.
Yamuna's Water Level Has Crossed the Danger Mark
On Sunday, the water level of the Yamuna River at the Old Railway Bridge reached 205.52 meters. This is higher than the danger mark of 205.33 meters. In Delhi, the warning level is 204.5 meters, the danger level is 205.3 meters, and evacuation begins at 206 meters.
This means that if the water level reaches 206 meters, people residing in low-lying areas will have to be immediately shifted to safer locations.
Record of Previous Years and Current Threat
The water level of the Yamuna in Delhi has broken records multiple times in the past.
- In 1978, when 7 lakh cusecs of water were released, the water level reached 207.49 meters.
- In 2010, with the release of 744507 cusecs of water, the water level reached 207.11 meters.
- In 2013, after releasing 806464 cusecs of water, the water level rose to 207.32 meters.
- In 2023, 359760 cusecs of water were released, causing the water level to rise to 208.66 meters.
- Now, in 2025, with the release of lakhs of cusecs of water again, there is a fear that the situation might be repeated as it was in 2023.
People in Low-Lying Areas on Alert
The administration has already alerted people residing in the low-lying areas of Delhi. Temporary tents have been set up in areas like the Delhi-Meerut Expressway, Mayur Vihar, and Kalindi Kunj. People will be shifted to safer locations from here if the need arises.
Officials from the Central Flood Control Room have stated that all agencies have been put on alert. The situation is being continuously monitored, and full preparations are underway to tackle any emergency.
Apprehension of a Repeat of the 2023 Situation
Last year, in 2023, when 3.6 lakh cusecs of water were released from the Hathnikund Barrage, many areas of Delhi were submerged. Roads were flooded, and thousands of people had to be shifted to relief camps.
Administration's Preparedness and Alertness
The Delhi administration has stated that the situation is being continuously monitored. Preparations have been made in advance, keeping in mind the warning level, danger level, and evacuation level in Delhi. If the water level rises further, relief and rescue operations will commence. People living in low-lying areas are being urged to follow the administration's instructions and move to safer locations if necessary.
Next 48 Hours Will Be Crucial
Both the Meteorological Department and the administration believe that the next 48 hours will be very crucial. The water released from the Hathnikund Barrage takes approximately two days to reach Delhi. If it rains heavily during this period, the situation could worsen.
