Yamuna swells, evacuation starts
Following more rains in the capital and additional release of water by Haryana into it, the Yamuna continued to flow above the danger mark on Sunday, while the government began evacuation of people from the low-lying areas in the city.
The water level of the Yamuna rose to 22 cm above the danger level on Sunday.
The danger mark was breached after Haryana released water from the Hathnikund barrage upstream on Saturday. “About 34,600 cusecs of water was released into the Yamuna from the Hathnikund barrage by 8 am on Sunday after heavy rainfall in the catchment area of the Yamuna. With more rains in Delhi and release of water, the water level has gone up in the Yamuna,” said V.P.S. Tomar, chief engineer, irrigation and flood control department of the Delhi government.
The Yamuna had for the first time breached the danger mark of 204.8 metres late on Friday night but had ebbed only to breach the level again.
“Delhi government is fully geared up to meet any situation of flood. All measures are being taken, with about 150 technical staff monitoring the level of the Yamuna round the clock,” added the official.
Delhi government has also set up a control room to monitor the situation. The government has also pressed into service about 63 boats along with divers. A team of the disaster management force has been deployed near the banks.
The official stated that the capital received 44.10 mm rainfall on Sunday, which also contributed to the rise of the water level in the Yamuna.
Officials stated that about 500 people living close to the river bank have been evacuated. They have been shifted to camps set up in safer areas.
“About 20 camps have been set up to provide shelter to the affected people. Elaborate arrangements for medical and food facilities have been made for the affected people,” stated the official.
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