Delhi NCR Floods: Yamuna Water Reaches Civil Lines And Delhi Secretariat, Capital On High Alert

National news: The Yamuna river has taken a fierce form in the capital. Heavy rainfall and continuous water release from Hathni Kund Barrage have pushed the water level beyond limits. For three straight days, it has stayed above 205 meters. On Wednesday night, the water level touched 207.43 meters. Low-lying Khadar areas are drowned, and Yamuna Bazaar is covered with water up to eight feet deep. The situation has left residents in panic and forced many to evacuate.

Water Near Secretariat And Civil Lines

Floodwaters have entered Civil Lines along the Ring Road. Water is now only two kilometers away from the residences of the Lieutenant Governor and the Chief Minister. Even the Delhi Secretariat and Kashmiri Gate ISBT have been surrounded. Families living nearby fear further rise. Officials say the situation is dangerous as water is slowly moving into thickly populated areas. For many, this has revived memories of the devastating floods of 1978.

Traffic Suspended On Major Roads

The administration has closed several key routes to keep people safe. Traffic from Rajghat to Kashmiri Gate has been stopped. Wazirabad-Signature Bridge and Chandgi Ram Akhara to IP College stretch are also sealed. The famous Nigam Bodh Ghat has been shut, while the old iron bridge has been closed for vehicles and trains. This has led to long diversions and difficulties for daily commuters.

Hathni Kund Releases More Water

The main reason behind the flood is continuous water release from Hathni Kund Barrage in Haryana. On Monday, 3.29 lakh cusecs of water was released. On Tuesday, 2 lakh cusecs, and on Wednesday, 1.75 lakh cusecs were discharged. Officials from the Irrigation and Flood Control Department confirmed that Wazirabad Barrage is also releasing more water. The water level near Loha Pul has been rising steadily, increasing the threat.

NDRF Teams Begin Rescue Work

To handle the crisis, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has been deployed across sensitive areas. Rescue operations are underway, with families being shifted to safer places. Authorities have asked people not to panic but remain alert. Relief camps have been set up for food, shelter, and medicines. Officials warn that relief is unlikely soon as water continues to rise. They compare this surge to the major floods of July 2023 and 1978.

Haryana And UP Villages Affected

The situation has also hit nearby states. In Faridabad’s Basantpur village, water entered nearly 300 houses. Seventy people were rescued, and 12 villages declared sensitive. In Palwal, Indira Nagar and Mohbalipur villages were evacuated, and eight schools were shut. Crops in Sonipat near the Yamuna were submerged, causing major damage to farmers. These villages may take weeks to recover from losses.

Ghaziabad And Noida Under Flood Alert

In Ghaziabad’s Loni area, water entered houses in Yamuna Khadar. Families are surviving with temporary tarpaulin shelters. In Noida, around 5,000 people living in farmhouses near the Yamuna have been shifted to safer places. Greater Noida recorded the water level at 200.20 meters, just below the danger mark of 200.60. The administration is monitoring 19 flood posts across Gautam Buddha Nagar to track the situation. Authorities say the coming days will be critical.