Delhi on Edge: Yamuna's Rising Fury Threatens Capital After Relentless Rains

Delhi finds itself once again on high alert as the majestic Yamuna River, usually a serene presence, swells ominously, having breached the critical warning level. Persistent and heavy rainfall in the river's upper catchment areas, coupled with significant discharges from the Hathnikund barrage, have pushed the water levels dangerously high, rekindling anxieties of potential inundation across the capital.

According to the latest reports, the water level at the Old Railway Bridge (ORB) in Delhi surged past the 204.58-meter warning mark, reaching a precarious 205.33 meters by 8 am on Monday.

This escalation is a direct consequence of the continuous downpour in states like Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, which feed the Yamuna, and the subsequent necessary release of water from the Hathnikund barrage in Haryana.

Authorities are not taking this lightly. The Delhi Flood Control Department, in close coordination with the Central Water Commission (CWC), is maintaining a vigilant 24/7 watch on the river's trajectory.

Teams are deployed, and emergency response plans are being reviewed and activated. The city's disaster management units are preparing for any eventuality, issuing advisories and ensuring that low-lying areas, historically vulnerable to flooding, are closely monitored.

The memories of last year's unprecedented floods, which saw large parts of Delhi submerged and the Yamuna reaching historic highs, are still fresh in the minds of residents and officials alike.

While the current situation has not yet escalated to that extreme, the rapid rise in water levels serves as a stark reminder of the river's power and the imperative for constant preparedness and quick response.

Residents in flood-prone zones are urged to stay informed through official channels, follow safety guidelines, and be prepared for potential evacuation orders.

The coming hours and days will be crucial as Delhi braces itself against the increasing might of the Yamuna, hoping for a reprieve from the relentless rain and a swift return to safer water levels, ensuring the safety and well-being of its millions of inhabitants.