In a much-awaited development, the water level of the Yamuna River has finally shown signs of stability after continuously rising for the past four days.. Let’s delve into the recent events and measures taken in response to the rising water levels in the Yamuna River.
A Record-Breaking Surge:
Over the past four days, the water level of the Yamuna River had been steadily rising, causing apprehension among local communities and authorities. In a startling turn of events, the water levels breached a 45-year-old record, reaching a height of 208.48 meters at 11 pm on Wednesday. This significant surge prompted immediate action and heightened preparedness to tackle the situation.
Impact on Delhi:
The rising water levels of the Yamuna River had a noticeable impact on India’s capital city, Delhi. In response to the situation, the Delhi government swiftly took proactive measures by ordering the closure of schools, colleges, and non-essential government offices until Sunday. This precautionary step aimed to prioritize the safety and well-being of the residents during this challenging period.
Transportation Disruptions:
The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) responded promptly by temporarily closing the entry and exit points of the Yamuna Bank metro station on the Blue Line. However, commuters can still avail themselves of the interchange facility, and services on the Blue Line continue to operate smoothly. Despite these temporary disruptions, authorities are working diligently to minimize inconveniences for the city’s commuters.
Inundated Areas and Service Suspensions:
The heavy rainfall and rising water levels resulted in the inundation of several areas across Delhi. Among the affected areas were Majnu Ka Tila, Mayur Vihar Phase 1, Monastery Market, Geeta Colony, and multiple sections of the Ring Road near Kashmere Gate. The extensive flooding compelled the authorities to suspend services at the Kashmere Gate Bus Terminal, one of the city’s major bus terminals.
Relief efforts and evacuations: To safeguard the security of locals in the impacted areas, officials carried out the evacuation of some 16,500 people from six districts. These individuals were subsequently relocated to 2,500 relief camps where they received necessary assistance and support. The prompt response from the government and relief agencies has played a vital role in mitigating the impact of the rising water levels.
Urgent Appeal for Intervention:
Delhi’s Chief Minister, Arvind Kejriwal, has appealed to the central government to intervene and halt the release of water from the Hathni Kund barrage in Haryana. This measure aims to alleviate the strain on the Yamuna River and prevent any further escalation of the situation. The request for intervention highlights the collaborative efforts required to manage and mitigate the challenges posed by the rising water levels.
Conclusion:
The temporary stabilization of the Yamuna River’s water level brings a much-needed respite to the residents of Delhi. While the situation continues to be closely monitored, the collective efforts of the government, authorities, and relief agencies have been instrumental in minimizing the impact of the rising water levels.