Yamuna's water level rising again in Delhi, crosses 206-meter mark
Slight water level rise attributed to rainfall in neighboring Haryana, confirms Delhi minister Atishi
New Delhi, July 17: After receding for four days, the water level in the Yamuna river is once again on the rise. As of 11 am today, it measured 205.76 meters, up from 205.52 meters the previous night. It is expected to surpass 206 meters by the end of the day, remaining above the danger mark of 205.33 meters for nearly a week now.
Last week, the rising water level caused flooding in Delhi, prompting a collaborative effort by the Army, Navy, and Delhi administration to prevent water from inundating key areas of the city.
According to Delhi minister Atishi, the slight increase in water level is due to rainfall in certain areas of neighboring Haryana. Quoting the Central Water Commission, she mentioned that they anticipate the level to reach 206.10 meters by tonight. While she assured the people of Delhi that there is no immediate danger, she urged those staying at relief shelters not to return home until the water level recedes below the danger mark.
Also Read: Assam floods: Brahmaputra crosses danger mark; over 1 lakh people affected
To address the aftermath of the flooding, all departments of the Delhi government have been directed to monitor the situation continuously, as stated by city Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj. He also noted that cases of conjunctivitis and skin allergy are predominantly reported from relief camps established in various parts of Delhi following the flooding.
The impact of the floods has been particularly significant in east and northeast Delhi, according to Mr. Bharadwaj. Although concerns of an increase in vector-borne diseases like dengue, chikungunya, and malaria exist after flooding, such a trend has not yet been observed.
The Yamuna river has remained swollen over the past week, reaching 207.71 meters on Wednesday, surpassing the previous record of 207.49 meters set in 1978. It caused extensive flooding in several key areas of Delhi and submerged the flood plains.
After surpassing the 45-year record, the water levels in the Yamuna river in Delhi have gradually receded. As of 11 pm on Friday, it measured 207.98 meters, down from 208.66 meters at 7 pm on Thursday. However, it still remains three meters above the danger mark.
Also Read: Uttarakhand: Alert issued in Haridwar as Ganga breaches warning level