Yamuna river above danger mark: Delhi-NCR faces flooding despite slight recede in water level
PTC Web Desk: Even though the Yamuna River’s water level showed a slight decline on Friday morning, large parts of Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) continued to remain waterlogged and flooded.
Data from the Central Water Commission (CWC) indicated that the water level of the Yamuna, which had breached the danger mark for two consecutive days amid heavy rainfall, is now stabilising but still poses risks. On Thursday morning, the river was flowing at 207.48 metres, which reduced to 207.4 metres by 10 pm at the Old Railway Bridge (Loha Pul), a key benchmark site. By 7 am on Friday, the water level had marginally dipped further to 207.33 metres.
An Irrigation and Flood Control (I&FC) official stated that although the CWC data suggests stability, water levels are expected to remain above the danger mark, leading to waterlogging across several parts of Delhi.
After days of continuous rainfall, Delhi witnessed clear skies on Friday. However, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted “generally cloudy skies with moderate rain” for the city. The minimum temperature is expected to be around 23°C, while the maximum could reach 33°C.
Flood-affected areas remain critical. Civil Lines and Monastery Market reported severe waterlogging, with visuals showing overflowing river water, stray dogs wading through inundated lanes, and autorickshaws struggling to move. Pumps have been installed near Vasudev Ghat to drain excess water, while tractors and vehicles were seen stuck roadside.
Relief operations are underway. Residents of low-lying areas near the Yamuna have been shifted to camps in Mayur Vihar-1, though some camps themselves reported water ingress on Thursday.
In NCR, parts of Gurugram and Ghaziabad were also hit by flooding. In Ghaziabad, 55 families from Badarpur village were rescued by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) after water from Haryana’s Hathnikund barrage caused the Yamuna to swell.
ADM (Finance) Saurabh Bhatt confirmed that food supplies, including milk for infants, have been arranged for evacuees. Camps with medical aid, ambulances, and essential medicines have been set up, though officials admitted that many villagers are reluctant to leave their homes. The administration’s top priority remains safeguarding the Yamuna embankment to prevent further damage to surrounding villages.
- With inputs from agencies
