Flood alert in national capital

A flood alert has been issued for Delhi after the Yamuna here on Monday inched close to the danger mark due to the release of nearly three lakh cusecs of water from the Hathni Kund barrage in Haryana following heavy rainfall in the Himalayan states. As a precautionary measure, the iconic Old Railway Bridge (Loha Pul) will be closed to traffic from Tuesday evening.

The authorities have advised people in the Yamuna floodplain to move to safety as the water level of the river here rose steadily and is predicted to reach the evacuation mark of 206 metres by Tuesday evening.

“In view of the possible flooding in the Yamuna due to increase in water level beyond the danger mark, you are hereby directed to close down the traffic and public movement on the bridge with effect from September 2 at 5 pm,” read the order issued by the Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA).

According to the Flood and Irrigation Department, the river water level recorded 204.90 metres, well above from the warning mark of 204.50 metres and below the danger mark of 205.33 metres.

The Hathni Kund barrage in Haryana discharged 3,29,313 cusecs of water at 9 am on Monday, while the Wazirabad barrage discharged around 38,900 cusec, the department said.

Due to this, the water level in the Yamuna is likely to increase in Delhi and could pass the danger mark by Tuesday evening, an official said.

The official said 30 boats had been deployed in the city. Out of 17 vulnerable points, two points - Vijay Ghat and Tonga Stand Regulator - had been closed.

Around 15,000 people reside in low-lying areas across six districts of Delhi, while around 5,000 people stay in the floodplain. The Old Railway Bridge serves as a key observation point for tracking the river’s flow and potential flood risks.

“The police and the staff of the Irrigation & Flood Control Department would carry out patrolling along right and left marginal embankments,” an official order from the department read.