New Delhi: High alert was issued after the Yamuna River breached the danger mark in the national capital on Monday evening, prompting authorities to evacuate people from the low-lying areas.
According to a Delhi government official, the river was flowing at 205.36 metre, just above the danger mark of 205.33 metre. The official said that the water level is expected to rise further as Haryana released 1.43 lakh cusecs of water at 6.00 pm on Monday.
Earlier in the day, chief minister Arvind Kejriwal said that several teams have been formed to evacuate people living in low-lying areas along the river.
“The water level in River Yamuna is likely to cross the danger mark by Monday evening,” said Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal, urging people in low-lying areas to move to temporary shelters set up by the administration.
Traffic movement on the Old Yamuna Bridge (popularly known as Lohe-ka-Pul) was closed by the administration in view of the rising river.
Addressing a press conference, Mr Kejriwal said that the next two days are “critical” but asserted that his government is ready to deal with any situation that may arise.
The chief minister held a meeting with the ministers and top officers to assess the situation and reviewed arrangements.
Haryana released a record 8.28 lakh cusecs of water in the Yamuna on Sunday, he said.
“This water is likely to reach Delhi by Monday evening and the danger mark in the Yamuna at 205.33 metres is likely to be breached,” he said.
So far, 2,120 temporary shelters have been set up, where food, water, and other amenities are being provided by government agencies. The administration has also deployed 30 boats to prevent accidental drowning.
More than 23,800 people will be required to be moved out from the low-lying areas, according to official estimates.
The river was flowing at 205.2 metre in Delhi at 3.00 pm. Haryana released 1.87 lakh cusecs of water at 2.00 pm on Monday and 1.79 lakh cusecs was discharged from Hathnikund barrage at 3.00 pm.
The Yamuna flows through six districts of Delhi whose low-lying areas are prone to flooding.
