Delhi CM Expresses Concern as Yamuna River Water Level Soars, Seeks Centre’s Intervention

New Delhi, July 12, 2023: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has raised alarm over the alarming rise in the water level of the Yamuna River, stating that the Central Water Commission’s prediction for tonight brings unsettling news for the national capital.

As per officials from the Central Water Commission, the water level in the Yamuna broke records by reaching 207.49 meters at 1 pm and is anticipated to surge further to 207.72 meters by midnight.

Kejriwal voiced his worries about the escalating water level despite the absence of rainfall in Delhi over the past two days. He attributed the surge to the release of abnormally high volumes of water from Haryana at the Hathnikund barrage. The chief minister urgently appealed for the central government’s intervention to prevent any further rise in the Yamuna’s water level.

In a tweet, Kejriwal expressed, “The Central Water Commission predicts a water level of 207.72 meters in the Yamuna tonight. Not good news for Delhi. There have been no rains in Delhi for the past 2 days, however, the levels of the Yamuna are rising due to abnormally high volumes of water being released by Haryana at Hathnikund barrage. Urge the Center to intervene and ensure that levels in Yamuna don’t rise further.”

The current water level of the Yamuna stands at 207.55 meters, surpassing the previous highest recorded mark of 207.49 meters in 1978.

According to the Central Water Commission’s flood-monitoring portal, the water level at the Old Railway Bridge exceeded the 207-meter mark at 4 am, a first since 2013, and surged to 207.55 meters by 1 pm, breaking the 1978 record.

The forecast from the Central Water Commission indicates that the river’s water level is likely to rise further to 207.72 meters and then stabilize. Prompted by the surpassing of the evacuation mark of 206 meters on Monday night, residents in flood-prone areas were relocated to safer locations, and the Old Railway Bridge was closed for road and rail traffic.

Noteworthy floods in Delhi have been recorded in 1924, 1977, 1978, 1995, 2010, and 2013. The current situation necessitates immediate attention and preventive measures to safeguard the city and its residents from the potential impact of rising water levels in the Yamuna River.