The water level of the Yamuna River in Delhi surged to 207 metres at the Old Railway Bridge around 1 pm on Wednesday, following heavy rainfall in the national capital. The danger mark for the river stands at 205.33 metres.
Officials noted that the Yamuna had earlier recorded an all-time high of 208.66 metres, raising concerns among residents, especially in low-lying areas. As a precaution, many families were relocated, and shopkeepers in the Monastery Market cleared out their goods, announcing closures for the next four to five days.
“We were alerted about the rising water level, so we are vacating the shops. The market will remain shut for a few days,” one shopkeeper told ANI. In Yamuna Bazar, residents were seen wading through thigh-deep water while leaving their homes.
Delhi minister Parvesh Verma, who inspected the situation at the ITO barrage, assured that despite the rise, there is “no threat of flooding.” He said, “There is no need for panic. The water-holding capacity of the Yamuna has been increased in the last six months. Everyone is safe.”
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast a spell of moderate to heavy rains in Delhi, with a generally cloudy sky and moderate showers on September 3 and 5, and thunderstorms with rain on September 4 and 6. The weather is expected to remain cloudy through September 7 and 8.
