Yamuna crosses danger mark, safety measures begin

NEW DELHI: Following a good spell of rain over the last three days, Yamuna’s water level crossed the ‘danger’ mark on Tuesday morning and was flowing above the 205m mark by the afternoon, officials said. The sudden increase in water level occurred after over 10 lakh cusecs of water was released from the Hathni kund barrage since Monday, forcing the chief secretary Anshu Prakash to call an emergency meeting to assess the ground situation.

According to the Central Water Commission, the water level in Yamuna is expected to touch around 205.34 metres by 10pm on Tuesday and could rise as high as 205.70 metres by Thursday afternoon. The level was recorded at 205.29 metres at 7pm on Tuesday, well above the ‘danger’ mark of 204.83 metres. A warning is generally issued once the level crosses 204 metres. On crossing the ‘danger’ limit, evacuations near the floodplains are started.

Delhi chief secretary Anshu Prakash on Tuesday held an emergency meeting with officials from six districts through which the Yamuna flows and officials from other departments concerned. Delhi Police, Army and NDRF were directed to take measures for safety and security of people living in the floodplains. The chief secretary has also said all preparations need to be in place to provide food and relief items for those evacuated. “As per the CS’s directions, tents would be pitched at various places on Wednesday and foods would be distributed among those affected,” said DM (east and Shahdara districts) K Mahesh.

"The district administration is warning warn people against the rising water level with loudspeakers. We have deployed boats with divers to inspect 13 points,” Mahesh added.

The water level is measured at the Old Railway Bridge and officials say it could also be shut down for operations if the Yamuna continues to rise. The highest water level recorded at the Yamuna bridge was 207.49 metres in 1978.