Yamuna water level close to danger mark in Delhi
The water level of the Yamuna river in Delhi is continuously rising and now it has reached close to the danger mark. The Central Water Commission (CWC) has issued a warning saying that the water level may rise further in the next 24 to 36 hours, due to which there is a danger of flood in the low-lying areas of the capital.
According to the CWC forecast, the water level of Yamuna may reach 205.70 meters by 8 pm on Monday, while it may cross 206 meters by 2 am on Tuesday. If this happens, the Delhi administration will have to start evacuating people from low-lying areas.
Highest ever water released from Haryana
On Sunday, the highest ever water of this season was released from Hathinikund Barrage in Haryana. At 1 pm, the discharge was recorded at 1,09,029 cusecs, while at 4 pm it increased to 1,78,996 cusecs, which is the highest level this year. Earlier, the highest discharge of the season was recorded on August 14 at 65,861 cusecs.
Experts believe that the water released this time can break all previous records. Bhim Singh Rawat, associated with the South Asia Network on Dams, Rivers and People (SANDRP), said, “This is the biggest discharge so far this season, which is almost three times the previous peak. In such a situation, Yamuna will cross the danger mark in the next 36 hours.”
Concern increased due to rising water level in Delhi
The water level of Yamuna was recorded at 204.60 meters at 7 pm on Sunday, which was above the warning level of 204.5 meters. At 3 am on Saturday, the level of the river had reached 205.28 meters, which is the highest level this year.
Last year (2023), Yamuna had set an all-time high record of 208.66 meters on July 11, when 3,59,760 cusecs of water was released from Hathinikund Barrage. At the same time, the highest level of last year was recorded at 204.38 meters on September 26, which was below the warning level.
Administration started preparations
Delhi’s Irrigation and Flood Control Department (I&FC) has said that as soon as the water level reaches 206 meters, evacuation of people from low-lying areas will be started. However, at present, announcements are being made continuously in sensitive areas and people are being appealed to move to safer places.
Officials say that whenever the discharge of water from Hathinikund Barrage goes above 1 lakh cusecs, the danger increases and an alert has to be issued immediately.
