Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Tuesday inspected the flood relief camp near Geeta Colony flyover in east Delhi and the Old Iron Bridge to review the Yamuna’s water level and the condition of affected low-lying areas along the river.
The CM shared that to manage the flow of the river, most barricades on city-side drains have been closed, and based on current data, water levels are not expected to surpass past records.
According to Gupta, the river is flowing freely, with water moving downstream as swiftly as it enters the course in the city.
According to the Flood Control room, the river’s water level was at 206.16 meters at 6 pm today, and may rise further, reaching up to 206.41 meters by 8 pm.
The evacuation process of the families living in the low-lying areas of the floodplains to safer places and relief camps was underway.
As per government data, the warning level of the Yamuna is 204.50 meters, while the danger level is 205.33 meters, but in 2023, the highest flood level observed was at 208.66 meters.
The Chief Minister said that the situation in the capital is currently under control, adding that the maximum water released from the Hathni Kund Barrage is expected to reach Delhi by Tuesday evening.
She assured that the departments concerned have made extensive preparations in advance, and the desilting of the Yamuna and city drains over the past six months has already shown significant results.
Meanwhile, earlier in the day, the CM had met families staying in the relief camps put up by the government, listened to their concerns, and assured them of all possible assistance.
Gupta emphasised that the government is maintaining round-the-clock vigilance and that departments concerned are working tirelessly to mitigate the impact of the rising water entering the floodplain areas.
She reassured citizens that there is no need to panic, while instructing the authorities engaged in the relief operations to ensure an uninterrupted supply of essential items, including clean drinking water, food, medical aid, and safe accommodation to those affected due to the water entering their places built in the low-lying floodplain areas.
CM Gupta explained that water entering the Yamuna floodplains is natural, as it is the river’s designated course, and reassured that there is no risk of flooding in outer areas.
She reaffirmed the government’s full commitment to the safety of Delhi’s residents, noting that officials are submitting hourly updates.
Gupta assured that continuous monitoring and relief operations would remain in place for as long as the floodwaters persist.
She appealed to residents to cooperate with the administration and follow the safety guidelines issued by the government.
Meanwhile, Gupta also spoke to her counterparts across five states amid the situation.
Gupta on Tuesday held telephonic conversations with Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Himachal Pradesh’s Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, Uttarakhand’s Pushkar Singh Dhami, Punjab’s Bhagwant Mann, and her counterpart in Haryana, Nayab Singh Saini.
During the discussions, she expressed deep concern over the severe flood situation in these states.
Gupta said that floods have caused widespread disruption to lives and property, while numerous families have been rendered homeless, and road and communication networks have been severely affected, leaving people to face immense difficulties.
She assured the chief ministers of the affected states that the Delhi government stands firmly with them in this difficult time.
Gupta further emphasised that the Delhi Government is fully prepared to extend every possible assistance.