Yamuna crosses danger mark again

New Delhi, August 14

The water level of the Yamuna today crossed the danger mark and is expected to rise further, prompting authorities to issue directions to take appropriate measures to avoid flood-like situation in Delhi.

Chief Secretary Anshu Prakash today held an emergency meeting with top officers of departments concerned and directed them to be "pro-active" in taking measures for evacuation and providing relief to the people living in the low-lying areas, an official said.

According to the east Delhi district administration, the water level of the Yamuna river reached 205.08 metres today while its danger mark is 204.83 metres.

Prakash directed that all the staff in the field should be on duty despite August 15 being a national holiday.

The official said as Haryana has released nearly 1.74 lakh cusecs water from Hathinikund barrage, Yamuna's water level is expected to rise further in the next one or two days.

Last month, the water level of the Yamuna river had crossed the danger mark, prompting authorities to evacuate people living in the low-lying areas.

"The chief secretary has directed officials to repeat the same exercise and necessary precautionary which they had taken during the period of July 28 to July 31," the official said.

Prakash also issued directions to ensure that tentage and food are available at all the locations for the displaced persons from tomorrow. — PTI