An extreme flood alert was issued in Delhi as the water level in Yamuna breached its all-time record of 207.49 metres, which was set 45 years ago, to swell to 208.46 metres on Thursday morning flooding several regions across the national capital. Thousands of people have been shifted to safer areas as water gushed into their homes and markets near the river, causing them immense hardships.
The water level of the Yamuna crossed the highest flood record of 207.49 metres yesterday at 1 pm. and rose to 208.62 metres by 4pm, according to the Central Water Commission (CWC). It has started stabilizing now, the CWC officials added, and is expected to recede by Friday evening.
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Sixteen teams of the National Disaster Relief Force (NDRF) have been deployed to six districts that are aiding the evacuation efforts along with the state administration, Delhi Police and other agencies and volunteers.
Meanwhile, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) announced that metro trains that cross 4 Yamuna bridges will do so at a restricted speed of 30 kmph as precautionary measure due to rising water level.
Kejriwal announces restrictions
After holding a review meeting, Kejriwal announced that schools, colleges and universities will remain closed till Sunday. All government offices, except those providing essential services, will work from home. "Water rationing will have to be done as 3 Water Treatment Plants are shut and people will face water crisis for a day or two. There were issues of toilets and bathrooms at relief camps. So, the camps are being shifted to schools," Kejriwal said after a DDMA meeting.
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The Delhi government also banned entry of heavy good vehicles from the Singhu Border, Badarpur Border, Loni Border and Chilla Border. Interstate buses from Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Chandigarh, J&K, Uttarakhand terminating at ISBT Kashmere Gate will terminate at Singhu border.
Opposition Slams Govt Planning
The opposition parties in Delhi charged at the Kejriwal government calling the floods due to the swelling of the Yamuna river a "man-made crisis".
"It has happened because of a man-made crisis, this is not a natural disaster. Drains are not clear, water bodies have been taken over, illegal occupation of land...where is the Delhi chief minister? Looks like he said it seriously that he would make Delhi land of lakes," said Congress leader Supriya Shrinate over the flood-like situation in low-lying parts of Delhi.
BJP MP Gautam Gambhir took a dig at Kejriwal's free water and free electricity schemes in the capital city saying nothing is free and "This is the price".
Meanwhile, BJP leader Manoj Tiwari claimed he had been constantly alerting the government over the flood threat. "But the Arvind Kejriwal government didn't wake up," he told PTI.
Low-lying areas flooded
Several low-lying areas including Nigam Bodh Ghat, Old Yamuna bridge - 'Loha Pul', and near Kashmere Gate have been flooded. The water from the overflowing Yamuna River also reached ITO, a key route to commute from East Delhi to Central Delhi and Connaught Place, the Civil Lines area on Thursday morning. Waterlogging on parts of the busy Ring Road, including on the stretch between Majnu ka Tila and Wazirabad, led to traffic congestion, officials said. In view of the grave situation, the Delhi Police imposed prohibitory measures under CrPC section 144 in flood-prone areas of the city, preventing unlawful assembly of four or more people and public movement in groups.
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The flood water reached the Red Fort as well, drone visuals shared by news agency ANI showed.
Meanwhile, the Delhi traffic police have issued an advisory that traffic movement has been closed on Bhairon Road due to overflowing of the drainage water from under the railway bridge.
According to CWC flood-monitoring portal, the water level at the Old Railway Bridge crossed the 207-metre mark at 4 am on Wednesday, the first time since 2013. It rose to 208.05 metres at 10 pm and is likely to touch 208.30 by 8 am on Thursday.
According to a statement by the Delhi government reported by ANI, "The present water level of Yamuna river at Old Railway Bridge (ORB) at 9 PM is 207.95 m. At 8 PM 1,47,857 Cusecs water was released from Hathinikund Barrage. As per the latest forecast issued by Central Water Commission (CWC) today at 05:10 PM, water level at Old Railway Bridge (ORB) is expected to be at 207.99 m on 13th July between 04:00 AM to 06:00 AM & thereafter, it is likely to remain stable."
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Meanwhile, addressing a press conference, CM Arvind Kejriwal said, "I urge everyone living in low-lying areas to evacuate because the water level will rise suddenly and your life could be in danger." As the water level rose to a record level, Kejriwal urged the Centre to intervene to ensure that levels of the Yamuna don't rise further.
In a letter to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, he requested that "if possible the water from Hathnikund barrage in Haryana be released in limited speed" and pointed out that Delhi is set to host the G-20 Summit meeting in a few weeks.
