Flood of woes

Sixu00a0lakh cusecs of water released in Yamuna to inundate parts of Delhi

The water level in the Yamuna is all set to touch 207 meters by Friday evening, the highest in almost in three decades.

The water level crossed the danger mark of 204.83 metres by Thursday noon, as Haryana released over eight lakh cusec water in the last two days with officials apprehending that the level may even raise upto 207 metres by Friday, which may flood low-lying areas.


Water shed: People gathered near the Akshardham Temple in east
Delhi to witness the swollen Yamuna on Thursday. Pic/Mid Day

Flood Control Department officials said the water from Haryana will reach Delhi by Friday evening and the water level may even raise upto 207 metres.

Central Water Commission has predicted that the level of Yamuna would be at 206.90 meters on September 10 evening.

"Delhi government is taking all precautionary measures to deal with the situation. Almost over 90 per cent people living in the low-lying areas have already been shifted to safer places. We are ready for any kind of situation," Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit said.

Asked whether the situation is a matter of serious concern, she said "yes" but was quick to add that authorities were fully prepared to deal with the situation.

After a high-level meeting to review the situation, Flood Control Minister Raj Kumar Chauhan said over 100 booster pumps were fitted along the banks of the river to pump out water which may enter the low-lying areas.
Last month too, the Yamuna water level was above the danger level for several days, prompting authorities to shift a large number of people to relief camps.

Officials said, though eight lakh cusecs of water has been released in the past two days. Hourly water release had been nearly 1.5 lakh cusecs and 2 lakh cusecs.