An alert has been sounded in the national capital as the Yamuna river is flowing above the danger mark after all 18 gates of the Hathinikund Barrage in Haryana’s Yamunanagar were opened on Sunday.
The gates were opened due to the rising water level resulting from heavy rains in the region over the last few days.
According to reports, the water level in the river crossed the danger mark of 205.33 metres on Monday afternoon, creating a flood-like situation in several regions.
Officials said the situation is being closely monitored, and all the agencies concerned have been asked to take precautionary measures. The district administrations have been asking residents on the riverbank to move to safer places, though the water is slightly short of the 206-metre evacuation level.
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta is likely to visit low-lying areas along the river to review flood preparedness measures.
"Around 1.78 lakh cusec of water has come into the river after the recent rainfall. This is the highest water level of this season,” Vijay Garg, Executive Engineer of the Irrigation Department, told ANI news agency.
The Yamuna swelled to its highest-ever water level of 208.66 meters in July 2023.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted more showers and thunderstorms in several districts of Haryana, including Sampla, Rohtak, Kharkhoda, Sonipat, Ganaur, Samalkha, Bapouli, Gharaunda, Karnal, Indri, Gohana, Israna, Safidon, Panipat, Asandh, Nilokheri, and Radaur.
According to the weather agency, rainfall is expected to continue in the state for the next 2-3 days, although the intensity will remain moderate.
IMD scientist Surinder Paul cautioned that waterlogging in low-lying areas and fields could become a concern, particularly after August 23, when heavy rain may occur in some districts of southern Haryana, such as Gurugram and Faridabad.