Delhi witnessed fresh showers on Monday, adding to waterlogging woes across the city, as the Yamuna river swelled dangerously close to the danger mark. According to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), more rainfall is expected in the coming days, raising fears of a flood-like situation in low-lying areas.
By noon, the Yamuna had touched 204.87 metres at the Old Railway Bridge (ORB), just short of the official danger mark of 205.33 metres. Officials warned that the river could cross the evacuation threshold of 206 metres by Tuesday evening, with more than 29,000 cusecs of water released from the Hathnikund Barrage expected to flow downstream into Delhi within 48 to 50 hours.
In a precautionary move, authorities announced that the Old Railway Bridge would be closed to traffic from Tuesday evening. Residents living in the Yamuna floodplain have been urged to move to safer ground as evacuation plans are being readied.
The rains have already disrupted life in the capital, leaving several roads waterlogged and traffic snarled. With the river inching towards critical levels, the city administration is on high alert, stepping up measures to safeguard citizens from a potential flood crisis.
