The Delhi-NCR region is reeling under a severe flood crisis as the Yamuna River breaches historic levels, inundating low-lying areas and triggering mass evacuations. With the water level at the Old Railway Bridge touching 207.48 meters—its third-highest mark in over six decades—authorities remain on high alert amid relentless rainfall and upstream discharge from Haryana’s Hathnikund Barrage.
Yamuna Breaches Danger Mark, Sets Off Alarms
The Yamuna River surged past the danger mark of 205.33 meters earlier this week, climbing to 207.48 meters by Thursday morning. Officials attribute the rise to the continuous release of over 1.78 lakh cusecs of water from Hathnikund, compounded by heavy rainfall across North India. The Central Water Commission had forecast a peak of 206.9 meters, but the river has already exceeded that, prompting fears of further escalation.
Mass Evacuations and Relief Operations
Over 12,000 residents have been evacuated from flood-prone zones including Yamuna Bazar, Majnu Ka Tila, Geeta Colony, Kashmiri Gate, and Mayur Vihar. Relief camps have been set up across 38 locations, with displaced families housed in municipal schools and community halls. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Delhi Police, and fire services are conducting rescue operations, while sandbags and pumps have been deployed to protect critical infrastructure.
Notably, floodwaters have reached the Delhi Secretariat and Nigambodh Ghat, halting cremations and disrupting administrative functions.
Traffic Chaos and Infrastructure Strain
The Old Railway Bridge has been shut for both vehicular and pedestrian movement, leading to gridlock across major arteries. Waterlogging has paralyzed stretches of Ring Road, Civil Lines, Bela Road, and Outer Ring Road. Airlines have issued advisories warning of delays due to slow airport access, and metro services are under strain.
In Alipur, a section of NH-44 flyover collapsed, injuring commuters and underscoring the infrastructural vulnerability amid extreme weather.
Civic Response and Public Advisory
Delhi’s Irrigation and Flood Control Minister Parvesh Verma has assured citizens that the situation is under control, citing recent desilting and channel expansion efforts. However, officials caution that unauthorized settlements and floodplain encroachments remain at high risk.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued orange and yellow alerts for Delhi and surrounding districts, forecasting continued rainfall through the weekend.
Civic Impact and Social Relevance
This flood crisis not only exposes Delhi’s infrastructural fragility but also raises urgent questions about urban planning, climate resilience, and equitable disaster response. With thousands displaced and essential services disrupted, the need for long-term floodplain management and community-led preparedness has never been more pressing.
