Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Monday conducted an extensive review of flood management and preparedness along the Yamuna riverbanks and adjoining areas. Her inspection began at Asita Ghat and continued to Chhath Ghat, the East Delhi District Magistrate’s office, Drain Regulator No. 12, and the Control Room.
The CM stated that due to water being released from the Hathnikund Barrage and heavy rainfall in the Upper Yamuna region, the Central Water Commission has issued an advisory that the river’s level in Delhi may rise up to 206 meters.
She assured that no flood-like situation would arise this time and emphasized that all concerned departments are working round the clock to maintain vigilance. “The situation is fully under control, and there is no need for people to worry. Their safety is the government’s topmost priority,” she said.
Gupta informed that 14 boats have been deployed at key locations for relief and rescue operations. To ensure that Yamuna water does not reach main roads and traffic movement remains unaffected, the Irrigation and Flood Control (I\&FC) Department has been instructed to take all necessary measures.
The CM said residents living in floodplains, where water may naturally reach, have already been alerted by the administration, and necessary arrangements have been made to relocate them to safer places.
She directed that all regulators remain fully operational and added that a Central Flood Control Room has been set up at the East Delhi DM office. This hub is functioning as a central coordination point for the entire city, with representatives from all civic agencies stationed there 24×7.
The CM further shared that, in addition to the Central Control Room, 15 wireless stations have been established this year to monitor Yamuna water levels and waterlogging-prone areas continuously. She noted that all equipment for relief and rescue operations has been checked, and departments are fully prepared to evacuate people from floodplains if necessary.
Gupta added that currently, more than one lakh cusecs of water is being released into the Yamuna, but it is flowing smoothly without obstruction, unlike in previous years. The government, she said, is closely monitoring all aspects of the Yamuna’s water levels, including flow, discharge, and status updates.
Delhi’s Irrigation and Flood Control Minister Parvesh Verma also accompanied the CM during her visit to assess flood preparedness on the ground.
Recalling the unprecedented flood of August–September 2023, when the Yamuna rose to 208.6 meters and submerged several residential areas, Gupta said the situation then had worsened because desilting of drains and maintenance of barrages were not properly carried out, and even the ITO Barrage gates were jammed.
“This time, after six months of continuous work, all gates of the ITO Barrage have been fully opened and desilting of drains has been completed, enhancing their capacity. The government has made preparations at every level,” she asserted.