Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal has appealed for urgent intervention from the Centre as the water level of the Yamuna river continues to rise, reaching an unprecedented height of 207.71 meters. Kejriwal specifically urged Union Home Minister Amit Shah to take immediate action by regulating the water release from the Hathnikund barrage in Haryana.
Deluge of Monsoon Rain Causes Yamuna River to Overflow, Flooding Low-Lying Areas in Delhi | PTI
In a letter addressed to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, CM Kejriwal emphasized that the surge in Yamuna’s water level is not due to recent rainfall but rather the excessive discharge of water from the Hathnikund barrage by Haryana. Recognizing the adverse impact that flooding in the capital would have, particularly with the G-20 Summit approaching, Kejriwal stressed the need for controlled water release. The CM highlighted the alarming water level of 207.55 meters, well above the ‘danger level,’ and warned of the imminent flood risk in Delhi.
During a subsequent press conference, Kejriwal issued an urgent advisory to residents residing in low-lying areas, urging them to vacate their homes promptly. He assured the public that necessary arrangements had been made, including provisions for food and sanitation facilities at relief camps. Kejriwal further mentioned that all District Magistrates had been instructed to convert schools into relief camps and utilize available facilities, such as toilets, to ensure the well-being of evacuees.
To address the situation effectively, the CM emphasized the coordination between the Delhi government and the Centre. Following Kejriwal’s letter to the Union Home Minister, Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat contacted him via phone to discuss the matter. District Magistrates have been directed to temporarily suspend school operations in affected areas.
Earlier today, Kejriwal convened an emergency meeting as the water level at the Old Railway Bridge reached a staggering 207.55 meters at 1 pm, marking the highest recorded level in 45 years. At 8 am, the water level was documented at 207.25 meters near the Old Bridge in Delhi.
Expressing shared concerns, Kejriwal posted a tweet highlighting the prediction by the Central Water Commission of a further rise to 207.72 meters in the Yamuna river. Understanding the gravity of the situation, Kejriwal urged the Centre’s intervention to prevent any additional increase in water levels.
In response to breached evacuation marks, rescue operations commenced along the riverbanks. Thousands of individuals were successfully evacuated from the Yamuna Khadar area in Mayur Vihar on Wednesday morning. The Delhi Police implemented prohibitory measures under Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) in flood-prone regions, ensuring public safety by preventing the unlawful assembly of four or more people and restricting group movement.
Over the past three days, Delhi has witnessed a rapid surge in the water levels of the Yamuna river. The areas already affected include the Boat Club, Yamuna Bazar, Majnu Ka Tila to Wazirabad, Usmanpur, Badarpur Khadar, DND Pushta in Mayur Vihar, and Jagatpur Main Pushta Road, as informed by the CM during the media briefing.