Yamuna crosses danger level

Flood threat looms large over the national capital as the Yamuna crossed the danger level, reaching the mark of 205.36 metres at 2 pm at the Old Railway Bridge (Loha Pul), officials said.

The warning mark for the river in the city is 204.50 metres, while the danger mark is 205.33 metres, and evacuation of people starts at 206 meters.

The Old Railway Bridge serves as a key observation point for tracking the river’s flow and potential flood risks.

Early morning, the water level was recorded at 204.80 metres making it the second day when the level was above the warning mark. On Sunday, the water level reached the mark of 204.60 metres at 7 pm.

The increase in the level is mainly due to high volume of water released from the Wazirabad and Hathnikund barrages.

According to Irrigation and Flood Control Department officials, field teams have been instructed to monitor the embankment closely.

Agencies such as the Municipal Corporation of Delhi and Delhi Jal Board are on high alert. Last week, officials cautioned that even moderate upstream discharge could push water levels higher over the next two days.

In July 2023, the Yamuna surged to an unprecedented 208.66 metres, marking the highest flood level ever recorded in Delhi, while last year the water levels had remained below the warning levels.