Flood-like situation unlike in Delhi, govt prepared: CM Arvind Kejriwal

While addressing the press conference, after the meeting taking note of the situation of heavy rains and increasing level of Yamuna River, Delhi’s chief minister assured that there is no flood-like situation in Delhi as of now.

Talking about the increased water levels of Yamuna, he briefed that their government is in constant touch with CWC. Emphasising the two factors responsible for the flood-like situation, one is the amount of rain pours in Delhi and the other is the amount of water released from Hathnikund barrage, which increases the chance of risk for floods. Informing about the water level of Yamuna, CM said, “In 2019, 8.28 Lakh Cusec water was released, reaching 206.6m but there was no flood.”

CM Kejriwal also said that they are in constant touch with CWC, whose estimates are generally accurate. He asserted that according to experts, there is no flood-like situation according to the amount of water that has been released now, but if there is a 206m cross, then evacuation will get started in the surrounding areas.

During the press conference, CM Kejriwal also said that the drainage system of Delhi was not designed to take such heavy rains. Compared to the previous numbers, the city has received more than 150 mm of rain in the past 24 hours, which is more than the average annual rainfall, he said.

Yamuna River closer to warning mark

As Haryana increased water releases from the Hathnikund barrage into the river despite continuing rains in the higher catchment areas, the Yamuna inched closer to the alert mark in Delhi.

The water level at the Old Railway Bridge rose from 203.18 metres at 1 pm on Sunday to 203.58 metres at 10 am on Monday, according to a flood bulletin. The level of alert is 204.5 metres.

Between 10 am and 12 noon on Tuesday, the water level is predicted to climb to 205.5 metres, crossing the 205.33-meter danger point.

Steps taken so far

Keeping heavy rains in mind after the alert from India Meteorological Department, all schools in Delhi-NCR have been shut. Apart from this, the functioning of the Delhi High Court will also be done via video conferencing, instead of the court rooms.