Yamuna above danger mark but no need to panic, assures Minister Verma

Delhi’s Irrigation and Flood Control Minister Parvesh Verma on Thursday conducted an on-ground inspection to assess the rising water level of the Yamuna river.

The inspection was undertaken in the wake of water released from the HathniKund barrage in Haryana.

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The minister personally inspected regulator number 12 near the Indraprastha Metro Station while reviewing the vulnerable areas along the river.

Speaking to the media during his visit, Verma stated, “During this season, Yamuna’s water level typically rises. The department is fully alert and active. The significant difference this time is that all gates of the ITO Barrage are open,” he added.

He pointed out that unlike 2023, this time, no gate is closed. Hence, the flow of water remains uninterrupted. “The situation is completely under control,” the minister assured.

According to Verma, the residents in low-lying areas have already been alerted even as the sub-divisional magistrates (SDMs) are actively monitoring the situation.

He also shared that plans are in place to relocate people to safety, if necessary.

The minister appealed to the public to trust only official sources of information and refrain from believing in any kind of rumors.

Verma also held discussions with the concerned department officials during his visit, and spoke to them in detail, reviewing all the ongoing flood preparedness measures along the river and the sensitive areas.

Notably, Yamuna’s water level on Thursday reached 204.99 meters at the Old Railway Bridge , surpassing the warning mark of 204.50 meters as a result of water released from the HathniKund Barrage. However, Verma called it a seasonal and normal occurrence. There is no cause for alarm.

Meanwhile, flood control teams, engineers, and relief workers are working round-the- clock on the ground.

All barrages, regulators, pumping stations, and drainage systems are being closely monitored by the concerned officials and departments while drain cleaning and backup arrangements have also been reviewed to ensure preparedness.

The minister said that whoever is in need of assistance is advised to contact the district administration’s designated helpline numbers. The Delhi government is continuously monitoring the situation and all necessary steps will be taken proactively to ensure public safety, Verma assured.