On Tuesday, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta visited a relief camp near the Geeta Colony flyover to assess the situation as the Yamuna River approaches the evacuation threshold of 206 meters. The river’s water level reached 205.80 meters at the Old Railway Bridge that morning, surpassing the danger level of 205.33 meters, according to officials. This increase raises concerns about potential flooding in the city’s low-lying areas. Gupta received updates from senior officials, including Divisional Commissioner Needaj Semwal. Speaking to reporters, the chief minister stated, ‘The situation is under control. The water released from the Hathnikund Barrage on Monday is anticipated to reach Delhi this evening.
Nevertheless, the water outflow remains manageable.’ She assured that all necessary arrangements have been made for residents in low-lying areas at relief camps. Despite the heavy rains and significant water releases, she maintained that the situation is being managed effectively. Gupta noted that in 2023, the water level peaked at 208.66 meters, but this time, it is not expected to rise to that extent. She has reached out to the governments of Jammu and Kashmir, Uttarakhand, Haryana, Punjab, and Himachal Pradesh, offering assistance. ‘We will support them in any way we can. I urge the chief ministers of the three states to know that we are here to help,’ she emphasized.
Semwal later announced an advisory to halt traffic on the Old Railway Bridge due to increasing water levels. ‘The water level is projected to exceed 206 meters by 5 pm. We have issued an advisory, but if the river surpasses the 206-meter mark before that time, traffic will be halted sooner. There is no need for panic, as we have made all necessary arrangements,’ he informed reporters.