Fresh rains in Delhi on Monday pushed the Yamuna’s water level close to the danger mark, prompting the government to issue a flood alert. Authorities said the river could cross the evacuation threshold of 206 metres by Tuesday evening, putting thousands of residents in low-lying areas at risk.
The Old Railway Bridge over the Yamuna will be shut to traffic from Tuesday evening as a precautionary step. Officials confirmed that by Monday noon, the river had already touched 204.87 metres, with heavy discharges from the Hathnikund barrage expected to raise levels further.
Delhi chief minister Rekha Gupta assured that the capital is not in immediate danger but emphasised that precautions are necessary. Around 20,000 residents in low-lying and floodplain areas have been asked to move to safer zones. Relief camps have also been set up to support affected families.
Authorities said patrolling has been intensified and emergency services are on standby. The rising river levels follow above-normal rainfall across Delhi and Haryana, which has led to swollen rivers and flood concerns in several states