The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a ‘yellow alert’ for the national capital as heavy rainfall continues to batter Delhi. In addition, the Yamuna River in Delhi, which had been flowing above the warning level for several hours, crossed the danger mark of 205.33 meters at 5 pm on Monday, according to the latest data from the flood control department. These developments come as the monsoon session of Parliament is set to begin on July 20 and last until August 11.
Delhi Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj assured that the government is on high alert and fully prepared to handle the situation. A flood alert was issued after a significant amount of water, exceeding one lakh cusecs, was released into the Yamuna River from the Hathnikund barrage in Haryana. This release of water has caused concerns as roads in various parts of the capital have been submerged under knee-deep water. In fact, Delhi received 153 millimeters of rain, the highest recorded precipitation in a single day in July in the last 40 years.
Bharadwaj stated, “Delhi government is on full alert. As the water level goes above 206 meters, we will start shifting people living on the banks to relief camps. We anticipated the water level to cross 205 meters on June 11, but it has already crossed that mark due to the increased water release from Haryana.”
The flood bulletin indicates that the water level at the Old Railway Bridge reached 205.4 meters at 5 pm on Monday. The continuous rise in the water level is attributed to Haryana’s release of more water from the Hathnikund barrage, coupled with the heavy rainfall affecting the entire northwestern region of India, including the national capital.
IMD Senior Scientist Dr. Soma Sen Roy explained that the current weather pattern is a result of an interaction between the westerly system and the easterly system. He further noted that the heavy rainfall witnessed in Delhi after 41 years is a relatively uncommon phenomenon. Roy issued a warning for diseases and urged people to remain cautious, follow forecasts, and take necessary precautions.
The Delhi Traffic Police issued alerts about waterlogging, tree uprooting, and flooding in underpasses, such as those under the Minto Bridge, Pragati Maidan tunnel, and Kalindi Kunj underpass. Waterlogging was also observed in diplomatic enclaves and prominent roads under the jurisdiction of the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC).
While Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal assured that there is no immediate flood threat, the government remains prepared to handle any situation. Kejriwal urged all political parties to refrain from blame games and emphasized the need for cooperation during this critical time. The IMD has issued an orange alert for the national capital, highlighting the continued risk of heavy rainfall.
As the monsoon session of Parliament approaches, the focus remains on managing the flooding situation and ensuring the safety of residents. The government’s response, along with the cooperation of citizens, will be crucial in mitigating the impact of the heavy rainfall and safeguarding vulnerable areas along the banks of the Yamuna River.
