Delhi, the capital city of India, is facing a state of high alert as the Yamuna River swells to its highest level in the past 45 years. The river surpassed the 207.49-meter mark on Wednesday, due to continuous rainfall in the upper catchment areas of Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and other states in recent days. This article provides an overview of the situation and its impact on the city, including traffic disruptions and precautionary measures taken by authorities.
Record-breaking Water Level and Impact: For the first time since September 6, 1978, the Yamuna River has exceeded its highest recorded peak of 207.49 meters. Incessant rain in the region has caused significant water-related damage to roads, infrastructure, and widespread waterlogging in Delhi. As a result, traffic movement has been severely affected in several parts of the city, prompting the Delhi traffic police to issue advisories, urging commuters to avoid affected stretches.
Affected Areas and Precautionary Measures: The Pragati Maidan tunnel remains closed to the public as authorities conduct cleaning and maintenance work at the site. The restoration efforts are being closely monitored by Delhi LG VK Saxena, who is scheduled to visit the area for review.
Additionally, the C-Hexagon stretch near Sher Shah Road cut, where a road collapse occurred, is experiencing traffic restrictions due to ongoing repair work. Commuters are advised to plan their journeys accordingly to avoid inconvenience. A burst water pipeline on Najafgarh Road has also caused disruptions, affecting the carriageway from Zakhira to Moti Nagar. Motorists are urged to avoid this stretch due to waterlogging.
Preparedness and Monitoring Efforts: In response to the dangerously high water level of the Yamuna River, the Delhi government has established 16 control rooms to closely monitor the river’s level and flood-prone areas. With approximately 41,000 people residing in low-lying areas near the river, the vulnerability to flooding necessitates heightened vigilance and swift action
