New Delhi: The water level of the Yamuna River in Delhi has receded marginally, but it continues to flow above the danger mark, keeping a significant portion of the city’s low-lying areas submerged. On Saturday, the water level at the Old Railway Bridge (ORB) was recorded at 206.47 metres, a slight drop from the 207-meter mark.
The river’s current level is well above the danger mark of 205.33 metres, which prompted authorities to shift residents of flood-prone areas to relief camps earlier this week. The warning mark for the city is 204.50 metres, while evacuations typically begin once the water level crosses 206 metres.
On September 3, the Yamuna had reached a historic high of 207.41 metres, marking the third-highest level ever recorded. Drone cameras on Saturday captured the extent of the flooding, showing large parts of the Yamuna Ghat area and other residential and commercial hubs along the banks severely flooded. Areas such as the Civil Lines, the monastic market, Kashmere Gate ISBT, and Yamuna Bazaar remain submerged.
Barrage Discharges Keep the River Swollen
The swelling of the Yamuna is directly linked to the high volume of water being discharged from upstream barrages. According to the flood control department, the Hathnikund barrage discharged 50,629 cusecs of water on Saturday morning. The Wazirabad barrage saw an even higher discharge of 1,17,260 cusecs. Officials are closely monitoring the situation, as water released from these barrages typically takes 48 to 50 hours to reach Delhi. Even a lower discharge can be enough to raise the water level back towards the warning mark in the coming days. All concerned agencies remain on high alert.