Delhi Chief Minister Urges Evacuation as Yamuna River Reaches Record High

| 12 July 2023

Delhi, India - In an urgent response to the rising water levels in the Yamuna River, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has called for the immediate evacuation of residents living in low-lying areas. With the water level reaching 207.71 meters, surpassing the previous all-time record set in 1978, Kejriwal chaired an emergency meeting to address the escalating situation.

The Central Water Commission had initially predicted that the water level would reach 207.72 meters by Wednesday night. However, the water level rose to the anticipated mark earlier than expected, prompting immediate action from the Chief Minister. The water level had already breached the danger mark of 205.33 meters, 18 hours ahead of schedule, leaving residents in vulnerable areas at significant risk.

During the emergency meeting, Kejriwal emphasized the need for residents to vacate their homes promptly. "Take your essentials and leave for tents or safer locations," urged the Chief Minister, expressing concerns that the water level may rise further. He also provided a list of affected areas due to heavy rainfall in the capital, including Boat Club, Monastery Market, Yamuna Bazar, Geeta Ghat, Vishwakarma Colony, Khadda Colony, Garhi Mandu, the stretch from Majnu-ka-tilla to Wazirabad, Badarpur Khadar, and DND - Pushta Mayur Vihar. Kejriwal urged the residents of these areas to evacuate immediately.

Furthermore, Kejriwal advised people against venturing near floodwaters, stressing the imminent dangers posed by the rapid rise in water levels. In response to the crisis, relief camps will be established in six districts located close to the Yamuna River, providing shelter and support to those affected.

Taking additional measures, Kejriwal instructed all district magistrates in Delhi to close schools if necessary and convert them into relief camps. This proactive approach aims to ensure the safety and well-being of residents who may be displaced by the flooding.

To tackle the challenges posed by the rising waters, Cabinet Minister Atishi Marlena announced the deployment of 50 boats from Palla to Okhla Barrage in Delhi. The boats will aid in rescue operations and provide assistance to individuals stranded by the flooding.

In a bid to maximize resources and support, Kejriwal sought assistance from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF). He has formally requested their aid in managing the crisis engulfing the national capital.

Earlier today, Kejriwal sent a letter to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, attributing the surge in Yamuna River water levels to the excessive discharge from Haryana's Hathnikund barrage. In the letter, he urged Shah to ensure that the water release is conducted in a controlled manner to minimize the impact on downstream areas.

Following the emergency meeting, Kejriwal revealed that Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Cabinet Minister of the Ministry of Jal Shakti, had contacted him, stating that water cannot be stored at Hathnikund.

In response to the deteriorating situation, the Delhi Police have implemented Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) in flood-prone areas. This measure aims to maintain public safety and prevent unnecessary risks as water from the swollen Yamuna River inundates the city.

As the water levels in the Yamuna River continue to rise, the Delhi government and local authorities are working tirelessly to ensure the safety and well-being of the affected residents. Evacuation efforts, relief camps, and rescue operations are underway, with a collective aim to mitigate the impact of the flooding and safeguard the lives of Delhi's residents.