Shillong, July 13: The water levels of the Yamuna River in Delhi have reached an unprecedented height of 208.46 meters, putting the city on extreme flood alert. The swollen river has inundated low-lying areas, necessitating evacuation measures. Additionally, Delhi may soon face a drinking water crisis as three water treatment plants have been forced to shut down due to the flooding.
The Central Water Commission has classified the situation as “extreme” and anticipates further increases in water flow into the Yamuna River. This alarming development has caused widespread concern among authorities and residents alike.
As per India Today, the Delhi Secretariat, which houses the offices of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, his cabinet, and other senior bureaucrats, fell victim to the floodwaters on Thursday. The road connecting Rajghat to the Delhi Secretariat also experienced flooding. Furthermore, the section of the Ring Road between Kashmere Gate and Purana Lohe Ka Pul has been submerged and is currently closed to traffic. The water level now surpasses the danger mark by three meters.
In addition to the immediate dangers posed by the flooding, Delhi may soon confront a scarcity of drinking water. The closure of the Wazirabad, Chandrawal, and Okhla water treatment plants due to the flood has raised concerns about the city’s water supply. Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal expressed apprehension about potential water shortages in certain parts of Delhi as a result of this unfortunate situation. He plans to visit the Wazirabad Water Treatment Plants later today to assess the impact of the flooding.
At 7 am today, the water level in the Yamuna River measured 208.46 meters, and the Hathnikund barrage in Haryana continues to discharge water into the river. Several areas, including Monastery Market, Yamuna Bazar, Garhi Mandu, Geeta Ghat, Vishwakarma Colony, Khadda Colony, the vicinity of Neeli Chatri temple near Old Railway Bridge, Neem Karoli Gaushala, and a stretch of the Ring Road from Wazirabad to Majnu Ka Tila, are currently submerged under floodwaters.
The situation remains critical as Delhi braces itself for the ongoing challenges posed by the historic levels of flooding in the Yamuna River. Authorities are working diligently to manage the crisis and ensure the safety and well-being of the city’s residents.