Yamuna’s water level surges, likely to cross warning mark

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, August 13

The water level in the Yamuna surged on Monday and is expected to cross the warning mark of 204.5 m, rising further to 204.9 m, but remaining below the danger mark of 205.33 m.

204.35 m Water level at Old Railway Bridge

204.5 m Yamuna’s warning level

205.33 m Danger mark

At 9 am, the river level at the Old Railway Bridge station reached 204.35 m, just 0.5 m below the warning level. On Sunday, the water level rose significantly, increasing by over 1.47 m from 202.82 m to 204.29 m. According to the Central Water Commission, the water level was recorded at 203.83 m.

Reviewing the situation, Irrigation and Flood Control (I&FC) Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj said, “All adequate arrangements have been made by the Irrigation and Flood Control Department. Water boats, announcement equipment and all other necessary preparations have been made. At present, there is no danger of any kind; all situations are under control.”

He added that about 13,000 cusecs of water was being released from Hathnikund Barrage, which may lead to an increase in the Yamuna’s water level in Delhi.

Bharadwaj added that people living on the banks of the Yamuna have been instructed to stay away from the river and take precautions.

“It is often observed that when the water level rises, children living near the Yamuna come to bathe and engage in adventures in the water, which often leads to accidents,” he said.

“To avoid such incidents, instructions have been issued for people to stay away from the Yamuna and follow safety guidelines. Although there is no immediate danger in the areas around the Yamuna, as the water has not yet reached the warning level, it is still crucial to take precautions to prevent any accidents,” he added.

Last year, the water level in the Yamuna rose to 208.66 m on July 13.

“Before the onset of the monsoon, pilot cuts were made by the department in the middle of the mud islands in the Yamuna, which have proven to be very effective this time as the monsoon arrived. The water flows out easily through these cuts, and the islands, which had formed over the years due to the gradual accumulation of mud and were a major cause of water overflowing from the Yamuna, have also been washed away with the flow of water,” the minister told mediapersons after an inspection.

He added, “Given the current situation, we can hope that even if the water level in the Yamuna rises, there will be no problem of waterlogging in the areas around the river this time.” Whenever the water level in the Yamuna rises above the danger mark, residents living in the surrounding areas are displaced and relocated to higher ground.