Monsoon fury: Flood warning as Yamuna discharge hits season’s high

The warning issued by the Central Flood Control Room in-charge said the discharge had exceeded 3 lakh cusecs. “As the water level of ORB may cross the danger level and is likely to exceed 206.50 m… all sector officers are hereby advised to keep a strict vigil in their respective areas and to take necessary action at vulnerable points… people residing within the river embankments shall be warned and shifted to safer places,” the warning read.

At 1 pm on Monday, the Yamuna level at the ORB was recorded at 204.87 m — slightly above the warning mark of 204.5 m. The discharge levels downstream were 38,900 cusecs at Wazirabad and 56,455 cusecs at Okhla.

By 5 pm, the water level climbed to 204.94 m. The discharge from Hathnikund barrage, while dropping slightly, continued to remain high at 2.92 lakh cusecs.

Taking stock of the situation, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said, “The Delhi government and all departments are fully alert. The situation is being monitored 24 hours a day. The extensive desilting work done in the Yamuna and drains in the last six months is now showing clear benefits. All the gates are open and water is not stagnating anywhere. The water is flowing forward unhindered at the same speed at which it is coming.”

In 2023, the water level had reached 208.66 metres, she noted.

I&FC Minister Parvesh Sahib Singh said, “Preparations have begun to shift people living in vulnerable areas along the floodplains to safer places. Round-the-clock patrolling has been initiated on embankments, and regulators and pumps are under constant supervision… I urge the citizens of Delhi to stay alert and extend full cooperation to the authorities…”

The Central Water Commission (CWC), meanwhile, cautioned: “In view of the present quantity of water passed from Hathnikund barrage today… and heavy rainfall in the upper Yamuna catchment area… it is informed that the water level at Delhi Railway Bridge may cross 206 m around 17:00 to 20:00 hrs on 2nd September, 2025.”

Measures on the ground

In an official order, District Magistrate (Shahdara) Rishita Gupta ordered the closure of traffic and public movement on the ORB from 5 pm on Tuesday. “In view of possible flooding in the Yamuna river due to an increase in its level beyond the danger mark, you are hereby directed to close down the traffic and public movement on the bridge…,” it read.

District Magistrate (East) Amol Srivastava, who is also the nodal officer for flood control of six districts, said as per the CWC’s advisory, the water level is expected to cross 206 m on September 2. “It takes about 36 hours for the water to reach Delhi from Hathnikund.”

On the measures, Srivastava said regular awareness drives through civil defence volunteers are being carried out in low-lying areas, requesting people to move to safer spots and relief camps.

“Tents and relief camps have been set up in the districts concerned. All basic amenities like food, water, toilets, etc are being arranged in coordination with the Municipal Corporation of Delhi, Delhi Jal Board, Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board etc. Teams have been deployed to help people and their cattle in evacuation,” he added.

A senior official of the Delhi Disaster Management Authority said, “People are cooperating very peacefully on the ground… because there is already awareness and nobody wants a repeat of the 2023 floods. Since Delhi levels are affected at least 24-32 hours after the water is discharged from Hathnikund… we get a day to take all necessary precautions.”

Another official in charge of monitoring on-ground operations said, “All precautions have been taken on the ground under the instructions of the SDM. There is no cause for alarm and the situation is fully under control.”

On Saturday, the river crossed the danger mark at the ORB for the third time this year.