DDMA asks non-essential govt offices, schools and colleges to remain closed till Sunday across Delhi

The Delhi Disaster Management Authority on Thursday asked all non-essential government offices, schools and colleges to remain closed till Sunday amidst the alarming flood situation in the capital city, PTI reported citing officials.

Private centres across Delhi have also been advised to work from home while the commercial entities around Kashmere Gate will be shut till Sunday.

The decision was made at the DDMA meeting held at the LG Secretariat here on Thursday.

"Commercial establishments around Kashmere Gate to be asked to close till Sunday. Buses coming to ISBT will stop at Singhu Border, and DTC buses will ferry people from there," PTI quoted the officials.

Several key areas in Delhi, including the Secretariat housing the chief minister's office, were flooded on Thursday leaving authorities scrambled to lead rescue and relief efforts.

Over 16,000 people have been evacuated and at least 12 teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have also been deployed in Delhi for rescue and evacuation operations.

Chandgi Ram Akhada Chowk area of Delhi experienced severe flooding as water level in Yamuna rose to 208.53 metres, as of 10 am this morning. Due to the rise in the water level of Yamuna and the resultant inundation of low-lying areas, traffic movement has been impaired in several places.

Most low-lying areas of the city remain affected by extensive flooding because of the release of water from the Hathnikund Barrage in neighbouring Haryana apart from heavy rainfall.

Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal urged residents not to step out unnecessarily. He said the Yamuna River's water level will reach its peak by 3-4 pm Thursday and then it will start receeding.

“I would like to request people to not step out if it is not essential and resort to Work from Home. We have closed the schools in affected areas. We are also trying to provide all facilities at the relief camps...As per the CWC (Central Water Commission) prediction, the peak (of river Yamuna's water level) will reach by 3-4 pm today and it will then start going down,” Kejriwal told ANI.

(With inputs from Agencies)