The level of water in the Yamuna remained above the danger mark on Monday, with the Central Water Commission (CWC) forecasting further increase in the level to be recorded at Old Railway Bridge on Tuesday.
An advisory by the CWC shared with the Delhi Irrigation and Flood Control Department stated that the peak level at the bridge on Tuesday could go up to 206.50 m between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m., and remain steady thereafter. While the normal level at Old Railway Bridge is 202 m, the danger-mark is 204.83 m.
An Irrigation and Flood Control Department official said the level had reached 205.760 m at 6 p.m. on Monday, but added that the increase had been slower than that witnessed over the weekend as the rainfall had reduced.
According to a State government statement, Hathnikund barrage discharged 29,691 cusecs of water at 9 p.m. on Monday. While water level at Palla at 9 p.m. on Monday was 211.700m, level recorded at Delhi Railway Bridge was 205.80m.
Rail traffic restored
Meanwhile, the rail traffic on the Old Yamuna Bridge was restored on Monday afternoon. In a statement issued at 1.12 p.m., the Northern Railways said that normal rail movement was restored with immediate effect.
Traffic movement on the bridge was closed on Monday evening with the water level rising due to rain, a day after the flow breached the danger mark, officials said.
Evacuees
People in low-lying areas of east, north and south Delhi have been living in evacuation centres set up by the Delhi government. These centres have tents, portable toilets and other facilities for the evacuees.
CM’s tweet
Reacting to a media report about the lack of arrangements for the evacuees, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said in a tweet: “Directed Kailash Gehlot ji, Minister-in-charge, to visit the area along with all officers and ensure proper arrangements. [sic].”
Mr. Gahlot, who is the Revenue Minister, visited those affected to inspect their living conditions.
Minister slams AAP
Hitting out at the AAP government, Union Minister Harsh Vardhan on Monday alleged that there was no advance planning to rehabilitate people affected by rising Yamuna waters in Delhi and they were at the “mercy of an insensitive” dispensation.
“People along the #Yamuna in Delhi are at the mercy of an insensitive government. As the river is rising above danger mark due to incessant rains, no advance planning in place, not enough shelter for people caught up in flood waters...[sic],” the Minister said in a tweet.