Delhi CM Rekha Gupta steps into floodwaters, assures residents of safety

With the Yamuna close to the danger mark and floodwaters entering low-lying areas, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Tuesday visited Yamuna Bazar to review the situation and personally interact with residents. In a symbolic gesture of solidarity, the Chief Minister removed her shoes and stepped into the floodwaters, assuring affected families that the government was fully prepared to extend help.

Gupta, accompanied by senior officials of the flood management departments, visited the settlement near the ancient Hanuman Temple in Yamuna Bazar, where several houses were surrounded by water. She spoke to residents stranded on rooftops and reassured them that the situation was under control. “Water level in Yamuna briefly touched close to 206 metres this morning but has not advanced beyond the floodplain areas. This was the peak level and now the water is receding,” she said.

The CM stressed that Delhi was not facing a flood-like crisis adding that water was “flowing out as swiftly as it was coming in.” She also highlighted that medical relief points, food and water supplies, and lighting arrangements had been set up to ensure the safety of those living in vulnerable areas.

She said, “Medical relief points have been set up in the area with arrangements for food and drinking water. Solar lights are also being given to ensure the locality remains well-lit at night.”

Gupta said the government had requested families to shift temporarily to safer shelters, but many residents had chosen to remain in their homes. “If required, the administration will evacuate residents to alternative shelters. The Delhi Government is monitoring the situation round the clock and our relief teams are on full alert,” she added.

Spending nearly half an hour in the waterlogged settlement, the CM reiterated that the government stood firmly with the people.

The inspection came a day after the Chief Minister had assured that despite heavy rainfall in the upper Yamuna region and rising discharge from the Hathnikund Barrage, the national capital was “completely in a safe zone.”