Yamuna swells, to reach danger mark today

Officials of the flood and irrigation department have warned that river Yamuna that flows through the city is likely to reach the danger mark today, HT reports.

Officials of the flood and irrigation department have warned that river Yamuna that flows through the city is likely to reach the danger mark on Friday.

HT Image

Officials said Haryana released over 30,000 cusecs at Hathnikund on Thursday and the water is likely to reach Delhi by Friday, making the river's level rise to about 204.72 metre by afternoon.

Officials added that due to delayed monsoon this year, Yamuna has not crossed the danger mark so far. The normal mark at which the river usually flows is 202.30 metre.

"The river's current mark is 203.62 metre, very close to the warning level of 204 metre, which it may cross tomorrow. Our department is monitoring the levels on a regular basis," said AK Walia, Delhi's irrigation and flood control minister.

People from several low-lying areas such as Okhla, Kalindi Kunj, Jamia Nagar, Yamuna Pushta and Wazirabad are usually affected whenever there are floods in the river. An action plan has been drawn to shift them and those on the/near the riverbank to temporary shelter camps if the need arises.

"We are preparing ourselves for any flood situation. Last year, there was huge soil erosion that damaged the embankments and caused water-logging in nearby villages. The situation is under control till now," added Walia.

Officials also said that they have started stocking relief material such as wooden poles, wire mesh, boulders and empty cement bags to deal with any emergency.

"The water will start falling after a few hours if the conditions remain stable. However, if it rains heavily anywhere upstream, the levels may start going up again," added an official.

In case a flood situation arises, the state government usually closes the entry gate of flood-gates of 17 drains (nallahs) falling into Yamuna.