The water level of the Yamuna in Delhi crossed the danger mark of 205.33 metres yet again on Friday, further delaying rehabilitation efforts in the flood-affected low-lying areas.
This has prompted instructions from the Delhi government to ensure the safety of residents of low-lying areas — many of whom had just returned home. Meanwhile, rainfall is predicted in the Capital over the coming week. The Central Water Commission's (CWC) data showed the water level reached 205.34 metres at 6 pm on Friday and may rise further to 205.45 metres by night.
There have been marginal fluctuations in the water level over the last two-three days amid rain in the upper catchment areas, primarily in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand.
The Delhi Government has directed officials to maintain vigil in vulnerable areas and make arrangements to shift people to safer locations after rise in the water level of river Yamuna. The Yamuna had been receding gradually after reaching an all-time high of 208.66 metres on July 13. Following the forecast, the city government advised the officials to maintain vigil in their respective areas and take necessary action at vulnerable points. The officials have also been advised to warn people living close to river embankments and make arrangements to shift them to safer places.
The water level dropped below the danger mark by 8 pm on Tuesday after flowing above the threshold for eight days. It receded to 205.22 metres at 5 am on Wednesday, before it started rising again and breached the danger mark.
In case of heavy rains upstream of Delhi, the increase in the water level could slow down the pace of rehabilitation of the affected families in the inundated low-lying areas of the capital and they may have to stay in relief camps for a longer period. It could also impact the water supply in the city, which became normal only on Tuesday after being affected for four to five days due to the inundation of a pump house at Wazirabad.
According to Delhi Jal Board (DJB) officials, there is a shortage of 10-12 million gallons of water per day (MGD) due to inundation of some tube wells in the river floodplain at Palla.