Yamuna River Flooding Challenges Delhi Amidst Persistent High Water Levels

New Delhi, Sep 4 (PTI) – At 9 a.m., the water level of the Yamuna river at Delhi's Old Railway Bridge stood at 207.47 metres. Despite expectations for the water to recede, floodwater continued to inundate nearby areas and relief camps.

Official data indicates that the water level remained consistent between 6 a.m. and 7 a.m., standing at 207.48 metres. The level was recorded at 207.47 metres at 5 a.m., with a brief increase to 207.48 metres at 6 a.m. Authorities reported that the water level held steady at 207.47 metres from 2 a.m. to 5 a.m.

The floodwaters have created significant challenges for several key locations in the city. Flooding reached as far as the Delhi Secretariat, impacting offices of the chief minister, cabinet ministers, and key bureaucrats. Vasudev Ghat and low-lying areas such as Mayur Vihar Phase I were also hit by the flood, even overtaking relief camps.

Areas like Monastery Market and Yamuna Bazar remain submerged, with local residents eagerly waiting for conditions to improve. Floodwaters also reached the Shri Marghat Wale Hanuman Baba Mandir near Kashmere Gate. "Every year, the rising water of the Yamuna bathes the idol of Lord Hanuman. We consider this holy water," said a devotee.

Flooding has disrupted Nigambodh Ghat, halting operations there, while water also affected the Geeta Colony crematorium. Despite the flooding, Sanjay Sharma, head of the Geeta Colony crematorium, insisted that operations have not ceased. "This year, like in 2023, the cremation ground is filled with around 10 feet of water," he stated, adding that all stored wood outside has been damaged and that no aid has been received from administration.

With some cremation grounds shut, people are arriving from far for last rites at Geeta Colony. "We're managing within limited resources, but with only the road inside the cremation grounds useable, cremations are taking place on it. If the water rises more, this too may no longer be possible," Sharma warned.

In addition to the flooding woes, incessant rainfall over the past days has resulted in heavy waterlogging in several areas, worsening traffic conditions. In Civil Lines, specifically near Chandgi Ram Akhada, residents reported severe flooding. Locals criticize authorities’ inaction, claiming that every rainfall results in inundation.

According to the flood control bulletin, the water level at the Old Railway Bridge was expected to stand at 207.48 metres by 8 a.m. but was anticipated to fall thereafter. This bridge stands as a key monitoring point for evaluating river flow and potential flood risks.

As per the revenue department, 8,018 people have been moved to temporary tents, with an additional 2,030 shifted to 13 permanent shelters. The government reassures citizens that there is no cause for panic and maintains constant surveillance of the situation.

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