Yamuna water at record level; spills onto Delhi streets

River Yamuna on Thursday further swelled to 208.66 metre in Delhi, setting an all-time record, as people stared at a disrupted life with roads turning into pools, water entering houses and offices and possibility of drinking water running out.

However, late in the night there was an indication that the water level was slowly receding – at 9 pm, the recording was 208.65 metres, followed by 208.63 metres at 10 pm and further marginally dipping to 208.62 metres an hour later.

The Delhi Secretariat, which houses the offices of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and other ministers, too were flooded.

Read | Delhi L-G V K Saxena calls DDMA meeting Thursday over rising water level of Yamuna

The road near Red Fort was also inundated while water rose perilously close to the bridges across the city, prompting closing down of road traffic in several areas. The entry of heavy goods vehicles, barring those carrying essentials, were barred from entering into the city from four borders, including Singhu.

While the past 24 hours saw water level rising, which crossed the 208 metre mark for the first time on Wednesday 11 pm, there was sort of a relief as the increase was not as fast as the previous day. During afternoon hours, the water level was stuck at 208.62 metres for three hours, it later rose marginally.

The water level was 208.66 metres at 8 pm, remaining at the same level for three hours at a stretch, indicating that the water level has steadied. The Central Water Commission said the water level is likely to decrease to 208.45 metre at 3 am on Friday.

Non-essential government offices, schools, colleges were ordered to remain shut till Sunday while private establishments were issued advisory to shift to work from home.

The national capital is facing a drinking water shortage as the Delhi government cut down supply by 25% following the closure of its three water treatment plants.

The speed of Delhi Metro trains crossing the four Yamuna bridges were restricted to 30 kmph as a precautionary measure while the entry and exit of passengers at the Yamuna Bank Metro Station were temporarily closed due to the rising water levels of the river.

At present, a dozen teams of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) equipped with inflatable boats have been deployed in the national capital.

Crematoriums in north Delhi and east Delhi were closed due to rising water levels while advising people to take the bodies of their dear ones to cremation grounds at Panchkuian Road, Sat Nagar, Punjabi Bagh, Green Park or Dakshinpuri.