Yamuna crosses danger mark: Delhi activates flood response plan, minister keeps close watch

With high volumes of water being released from Wazirabad and Hathnikund barrages, the river crossed the evacuation mark in the city for the first time this year. In view of the situation, Singh held a meeting with officials of his department and Delhi Jal Board (DJB) as well as district magistrates to review the flood response plan.

“We are on a war footing with our flood preparedness officers, engineers and ground staff on 24-hour duty. From barrages to pumping stations, every mechanism is under strict monitoring,” Singh said in an official statement.

“I am personally reviewing coordination with the DJB, CWC (Central Water Commission), and Haryana government, and I have directed all district magistrates – particularly in South West, South East, South, and Central Delhi – to stay fully prepared with contingency plans,” he added.

“DMs to ensure that relief material, evacuation centres, and quick-response teams remain fully prepared,” the minister said.

He laid special emphasis on the Najafgarh Basin, instructing the South West DM to give particular attention to monitoring water levels and drainage in the basin, which is a vulnerable pocket during heavy rain. He also directed local authorities to maintain constant patrolling, real-time updates, and contingency evacuation plans for the basin and adjoining low-lying areas. “Delhi cannot be left vulnerable to the forces of nature,” Singh said.

Meanwhile, to ensure a swift response, the government has stationed two chief engineers, five superintending engineers and 20 executive engineers in each zone. “Besides, all assistant engineers and junior engineers on duty officers remain at their respective sites and are available round-the-clock to handle emergencies,” Singh said.

To tackle flooding, the I&FC department has pre-positioned 58 boats, 675 life jackets, 5,67,200 EC (eco) bags, 14,370 ballies (bamboo sticks), and 24 generators, among others. In addition to this, 10 fixed pumping stations and 82 mobile pumps have been deployed at vulnerable locations, he said.

The Delhi Jal Board has also been directed to deploy officials in the flood management process and work in close coordination with the I&FC and the CWC to prevent waterlogging and ensure uninterrupted flow.

Officials said continuous 24×7 monitoring of water discharged from the three barrages – Hathnikund, Wazirabad, and Okhla Barrage – is being carried out. “Real-time and hourly monitoring are being carried out 24×7,” said an official.