New Delhi, Sep 1 (UNI) Amid rising concerns over likely increase in the Yamuna’s water level, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta today said that the Delhi government and all its flood-related departments are fully prepared and maintaining high alert.
The CM has appealed to the people residing in the Yamuna riverbed to exercise caution, and strictly follow the instructions issued by the administration.
Gupta informed that, given the high volume of water released from the Hathni kund Barrage on Monday morning, which is over 3 lakh cusecs, it is estimated that the water level may rise to 207 metres or, even slightly higher.
She informed that the concerned departments have been working tirelessly for the past six months and have conducted desilting of the drains and in the river as well, which has helped in the waters flowing ahead after entering the river’s span in the city.
Presently, the situation remains under control and there is no reason for panic, CM assured the people, adding that any flood-related issue will be dealt with immediately.
Delhi government’s top priority is to ensure the safety of the residents of the national capital, and to minimise any type of inconvenience to the people of the city.
According to CM, the situation is being monitored round-the-clock, and that this year extensive as well as advance measures have already been implemented for flood control and management.
The CM also shared that the large-scale desilting of the Yamuna river, and its drains carried out over the past six months, has significantly strengthened flood defences.
She informed that the gates of the barrages have been opened in a bid to ensure that the water flows smoothly, preventing any stagnation, adding that water is flowing out from Delhi as swiftly as it enters.
The CM also explained that when the water level rises beyond a point, it reaches the Yamuna floodplain, which is a natural phenomenon, as it forms a part of the river’s ecological system. She reassured that there is no risk of flooding in outer areas, and citizens, she emphasized, need not panic, as the government is fully committed to their safety, with officials providing hourly updates on the situation.
Delhi government has made arrangements for the people living in the low-lying areas, and especially the river bed, to temporarily shift to safe places, and there are relief camps set up along the river and these areas where people can take shelter.
The government has made arrangements for food, water, medication etc at these relief camps so that people do not face inconvenience. Relief camps have been set up on roads adjacent to Mayur Vihar, on the main road after crossing the Yamuna Bridge near the Commonwealth Games village and other places near the river to help people living in the floodplains, in case they are affected by floods.
