Yamuna water crosses danger mark, flood threat over Delhi

NEW DELHI: Threat of flood loomed large over the national capital as the water level in Yamuna rose well above the danger mark and is set to go up significantly with Haryana releasing over nine lakh cusecs of water into the river in the last two days.

Authorities have evacuated around 1,500 people from various low-lying areas in east Delhi like Usmanpur, Yamuna Bazar, Bhajanpura and Shastri Park and set up relief camps for their shelter.

"The water level of Yamuna crossed the danger mark of 204.83 metres at 7 AM and it reached 205.58 metres at 7 PM," officials in the Flood Control and Irrigation department said.

They said the water level would touch 207.05 meter around noon tomorrow as 9.5 lakh cusecs of water released by Haryana in the last two days is expected to reach Delhi.

Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit said the situation was under control and there was no need to panic as the administration was prepared to face any eventuality.

The Old Yamuna Bridge, connecting east Delhi with the heart of the national capital, was shut for rail and road traffic early Tuesday morning after the water level in Yamuna rose dangerously.

Haryana had released eight lakh cusecs of excess water into Yamuna from the Hathnikund barrage near Yamunanagar yesterday while it released over 1.5 lakh cusecs today.

The closure of the Old Yamuna bridge resulted in diversion of traffic in East Delhi, resulting in choking of various arterial roads in the area.

"The situation is under control. There is no need to panic. The concerned departments and agencies are taking all precautionary measures to deal with any eventuality," Dikshit said.

The Chief Minister said she has been keeping a close watch on the flood situation and the level of the water in Yamuna apart from keeping in touch with all agencies concerned to ensure the safety of people.

Officials in the Flood and Irrigation department said they have completed evacuation of the people from low-lying areas.