City is in safe zone, says CM Rekha

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Monday conducted an extensive inspection of Yamuna ghats and flood control mechanisms, assuring residents that the national capital is “completely in a safe zone” despite heavy rainfall in the upper Yamuna region and rising discharge from the Hathnikund Barrage.

Accompanied by Cabinet Minister Parvesh Verma, the Chief Minister reviewed arrangements at Asita Ghat, Yamuna Chhath Ghat, Regulator No. 12, DM East office and the Central Flood Control Room. The Central Water Commission has forecast that the Yamuna may rise to 206 metres, following the release of over one lakh cusecs of water, but officials said the river is flowing smoothly without obstruction.

Recalling the unprecedented flood of August–September 2023, when the Yamuna swelled to 208.6 metres and inundated several residential areas, Gupta said this year’s advance preparations had significantly strengthened the city’s resilience.

“At that time, desilting of drains and maintenance of barrages was not properly done. Even ITO Barrage gates were blocked and jammed. This time, after six months of continuous work, all gates have been fully opened and desilting of drains completed. Delhi is prepared at every level,” she said.

The government has appointed nodal officers in waterlogging-prone zones, fast-tracked drain cleaning, inspected pump houses and deployed mobile pumps. Residents of floodplain areas have been alerted, and arrangements are in place to relocate them to safer locations, if required.

“Even if minor problems arise, they will remain confined to floodplain areas. There will be no flood-like situation in the city. People’s safety is our top priority,” the Chief Minister assured.

For relief and rescue, 14 boats have been stationed at strategic points. A central flood control room has been set up at the DM East office to coordinate operations across departments, with representatives of all civic agencies monitoring round the clock. As many as 15 wireless stations have also been established to track Yamuna levels and waterlogging-prone areas.