Delhi Shuts Old Railway Bridge As Yamuna Nears Evacuation Mark
Delhi has been placed on heightened alert after the Disaster Management Authority ordered the closure of the Old Railway Bridge to both public and vehicular movement from Tuesday evening. The precautionary measure follows projections that the Yamuna river could touch the evacuation threshold of 206 metres, raising concerns of flooding in low-lying areas.
Officials confirmed that heavy water discharge from the Hathnikund Barrage has been driving the surge in the Yamuna’s flow. By Monday evening, the river level had climbed to 204.94 metresAlso Watch: An Exclusive Interview with Sanjeev Jaiswal (IAS), CEO MHADA already past the warning level of 204.50 metres and inching towards the danger mark of 205.33 metres. The release of more than three lakh cusecs of water upstream has compounded the situation, with authorities estimating the volume will continue in the coming days.The Flood Control Department has reported that both Hathnikund and Wazirabad barrages have released significant volumes of water, intensifying the monitoring process.
The Old Railway Bridge, a critical observation point, has therefore been sealed off as part of citywide flood preparedness.District magistrates across six vulnerable districts have been instructed to ensure readiness for relief measures, including food supplies, electricity back-up, and temporary shelters. Official estimates indicate around 15,000 residents live in the flood-prone areas with another 5,000 in the riverbed, underlining the scale of possible evacuations if the Yamuna breaches the red line. While precautionary measures are underway, senior officials have urged the public not to panic. They emphasised that the river spilling into floodplains is part of its ecological cycle, but added that strict monitoring is in place to prevent disruption to the city’s core infrastructure. The appeal has been for citizens to remain calm but cautious, and to avoid misinformation during this period of heightened sensitivity.
Experts in urban resilience argue that Delhi’s recurring flood scares point towards a deeper need for long-term solutions. They highlight that sustainable riverfront planning, improved rainwater harvesting, and strengthened embankments are essential to reduce annual risks. Such interventions, they stress, should be tied into Delhi’s broader climate adaptation strategy, ensuring that growth does not compromise resilience.The Disaster Management Authority continues to liaise with water authorities upstream, keeping evacuation teams and relief camps on standby. With rainfall projections adding another layer of uncertainty, the situation remains fluid, making real-time coordination between agencies critical.As of now, authorities insist there is no imminent threat to outer Delhi. But with water release volumes rising, the city remains watchful a reminder of both the power of natural systems and the importance of sustainable urban preparedness.
