Delhi Yamuna Hits 204·88m Flood Preparations Begin
The Yamuna river in Delhi has crossed its warning threshold, rising to 204.88 metres at the Old Railway Bridge on Thursday morning, prompting civic agencies to initiate precautionary flood preparedness. This marks the first time this monsoon season that the river has breached the 204.50 metre warning level, though evacuation protocol only activates once levels hit 206 metres.
Officials attribute the escalation to substantial upstream releases from Haryana’s Hathnikund Barrage, which peaked at 61,000 cusecs early on Thursday. Since then, hourly discharges have maintained at around 50,000 cusecs. Experts estimate that this surge will reach Delhi in approximately 48–50 hours.Authorities have swiftly issued alerts to all relevant agencies to activate flood-response systems. While the river remains below the danger mark of 205.3 metres, contingency planning for evacuation is underway should waters continue unchecked.
Urban flood specialists emphasise that even moderate monsoon releases can pose greater risks to Delhi due to chronic riverbed siltation and encroachment. Limiting free monsoon flows especially as thousands of cusecs are diverted into irrigation canals deprives the Yamuna of its vital hydrological functions, undermining the city’s ecological resilience.The central flood control room, along with civic managers, is monitoring the situation in real time. Residents in low-lying areas have been urged to stay vigilant and adhere to safety advisories. All instruments barrier controls, relief shelters, and riverbank surveys are being readied ahead of the anticipated waters.
As monsoon swings into its peak rhythm, this episode is a reminder of the fragility inherent in urban equilibrium. For a metropolis like Delhi struggling with pollution, infrastructure pressures, and climate unpredictability anticipatory planning and transparent river governance are more important than ever. The city’s ability to manage rising flood risks will determine whether it can sustain equitable, resilient, and sustainable urban living for all.
