Heavy rains swell the Yamuna River above the danger level keeping New Delhi on high alert!

New Delhi, July 30: The Yamuna River water level has crossed the danger mark prompting the Delhi Government to be on high alert. The water level touched 205.46 meters on Sunday, reaching beyond the danger mark of 204.83 meters.

Taking cognizance of the situation on the Yamuna river overflow in New Delhi, the District Magistrate (DM) of East Delhi, on Sunday said that the situation is under control and the government is fully prepared to combat the situation.

Rail traffic on the Yamuna bridge has resumed, as the current water levels of the Yamuna river is still safe enough for the passing of trains, Nitin Chowdhury, the CPRO of Northern Railways. The railway's engineers are stationed on the site and are monitoring the site and bridge health. The bridge was temporarily closed earlier on Monday because of the increasing danger level. 3,000 People Evacuated to Makeshift Camps as the Yamuna swelled.

Traffic movement on the Old Yamuna Bridge in Delhi was also closed on the evening of Sunday, 29 July, with the water level in the river rising due to rains. The city government set up a flood control room and around-the-clock emergency operation center to monitor the situation.

Earlier on Sunday, the District Magistrate, East Delhi, said, “1,500 people have moved from low-lying areas. 550 tents have been pitched across 10 locations in Delhi’s East district. If more people need to be evacuated and accommodated, we have schools and night shelters.” More water is expected to reach Delhi in the subsequent days. District Magistrate East (Delhi), K Mahesh, said that the government has been prepared for this eventuality since June.

All departments have been put on alert and have been directed by the CM to facilitate evacuation in the best possible manner. Apart from swift evacuation, the teams have been directed to provide a supply of power, food, and drinking water and ensure medical teams are put on duty for the people being shifted for any kind of medical emergencies.

The meeting was also attended by Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia. Education department and MCDs have been asked to be ready to provide the school space in these areas for people to be shifted if the situation demands. The Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB) has also been asked to chip in with their centers for people to be accommodated if required.