The Yamuna crossed the danger level of 205.33 metres on Monday afternoon. It breached the mark at 2 pm, and therefore raised flood concerns in Delhi. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta then ordered an on-ground inspection of flood readiness at 4 pm.
Meanwhile, the Central Water Commission (CWC) predicted the water will keep rising. It expects the level to touch 205.70 metres by 8 pm and 206 metres by 2 am on Tuesday.
Water Rises Hour by Hour
The river stood at 204.70 metres at 5 am. By 10 am, it had already crossed 205 metres. Later, at 2 pm, the Old Railway Bridge recorded 205.36 metres. By then, the level climbed further to 205.48 metres at 4 pm, CWC data showed.
Heavy Discharge Behind the Surge
The surge followed a massive release of water from the Hathnikund barrage. Over 1 lakh cusecs flowed out for nearly 12 hours between 1 pm and 1 am on Sunday.
As a result, the flow peaked at 109,029 cusecs at 1 pm on Sunday. Three hours later, it touched 178,996 cusecs, which marked the highest this season.
Evacuation Precautions Begin
Normally, Delhi’s Irrigation and Flood Control Department evacuates people when the water reaches 206 metres. However, this time, officials began issuing warnings much earlier. Teams are already using boats, microphones, and loudspeakers to alert residents in low-lying areas.
CM to Visit Vulnerable Points
Later in the evening, Chief Minister Gupta will personally inspect flood-prone areas. Her route will include Asita Ghat near ITO, Yamuna Chhat Ghat, East Delhi DM office, 12 No. regulator, Metcalf House, Boat Club U-turn, Yamuna Bazaar, and finally the I&FC flood control room.
Past Floods Offer Lessons
In July 2023, the Yamuna swelled to 208.66 metres, its highest ever. A record 359,760 cusecs of water from Hathnikund therefore triggered the flood. The river also stayed above 100,000 cusecs for days.
In contrast, 2024 saw much calmer conditions. The Yamuna peaked at just 204.38 metres on September 26, which stayed below even the warning mark. Last year’s peak discharge was only 87,018 cusecs.