Vikas Choudhary captures the situation of the national capital Delhi after the overflowing Yamuna river reached the highest level on record and severely inundated many parts of the city. The river was in spate after the torrential rains in North India on July 8 and 9 and started overflowing after Haryana's Hathnikund barrage gates were opened. Around 30,000 people, mostly the poor living in the low lying areas or the floodplains, had to be evacuated for their safety
Several areas in Delhi, including Yamuna floodplains, along with low-lying areas of Civil Lines and Kashmere Gate, saw severe flooding due to the swelling of the river July 13, 2023. The Yamuna had been in spate following the deluge in North India on July 8 and 9. Photo: Vikas Choudhary / CSE
The river rose to its highest level on record and began to submerge low-lying areas of the city on July 12. Public Works Department Minister Atishi Marlena said about 30,000 people were evacuated along the river banks and residents were urged to stay with relatives or seek shelter at relief camps set up by the Delhi government. Photo: Vikas Choudhary / CSE
The Yamuna River water level is measured at Old Delhi Railway Bridge in the capital. The water level at the Bridge rose to 208.65 metres, surpassing the danger mark by 3.32 metres. This unprecedented flood level has shattered a 45-year-old record, previously set at 207.49 metres, according to the Central Water Commission. Photo: Vikas Choudhary / CSE
The Arvind Kejriwal government had urged the Centre to step in and stop the water discharge from Haryana’s Hathnikund barrage, which had filled up due to very heavy rain further north in Himachal Pradesh. However, the Centre replied that excess water from the barrage had to be released. Photo: Vikas Choudhary / CSE
Areas along the riverbank were severely affected, like Delhi–Noida Direct Flyway, Mayur Vihar Pushta, Yamuna Bazar, Tibetan Monastery Market, Nigambodh Ghat and Old Railway Bridge. Due to rising water levels in Yamuna, Wazirabad, Chandrawal and Okhla water treatment plants had to be closed temporarily as well. Photo: Vikas Choudhary / CSE
Compounding challenges for those taking public transport, Metro services were also affected. The Yamuna Bank Metro station on the Delhi Metro Blue Line was shut due to waterlogging on the approach road. Although operations on all lines remained normal, trains were running at a restricted speed on Metro bridges. Photo: Vikas Choudhary / CSE
We are a voice to you; you have been a support to us. Together we build journalism that is independent, credible and fearless. You can further help us by making a donation. This will mean a lot for our ability to bring you news, perspectives and analysis from the ground so that we can make change together.
Comments are moderated and will be published only after the site moderator’s approval. Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name. Selected comments may also be used in the ‘Letters’ section of the Down To Earth print edition.