Delhi observes rising river level once more, while standing at the shore.

NEW DELHI: Yamuna water level rises again in Delhi

The Yamuna river in Delhi has started rising again after receding for three consecutive days. The water level appeared to have stabilized close to the 206-meter mark at the old railway bridge by 9 pm on Monday. The increase in water level is attributed to local factors, such as rain in the plains, and not to the discharge of water from the Hathnikund barrage. The Central Water Commission expects the water level to start receding again from Monday night.

Officials have stated that the increase in the Yamuna water is temporary and due to local rains. The release from the Hathnikund barrage was very less. Rainfall in Delhi, Haryana, and West Uttar Pradesh on Sunday and Monday, as well as the return of the city’s drainage to the Yamuna, are also contributing factors to the marginal increase in water level.

The water level at the old railway bridge in Delhi recorded a steady fall till 4 am Monday, reaching its lowest level of 205.45 meters since July 11. However, it started rising again after 6 am, increasing by 4-5 centimeters every hour. It reached 205.94 meters at 7 pm, before falling marginally to 205.94 meters at 9 pm.

The release of water from the Hathnikund barrage fluctuated between 38,000-48,000 cusecs, which is considered normal during the monsoon season. Despite an increase in discharge to 60,000 cusecs on Sunday, it came down to less than 50,000 cusecs due to the absence of intense rainfall in the hills.

The meteorological department has issued a yellow alert for Himachal Pradesh and predicted heavy rain at sporadic locations on Tuesday. An orange alert has been issued for Uttarakhand, while Delhi has been issued a yellow alert with a prediction of moderate rains.

If Himachal Pradesh receives heavy rains, more water is likely to flow in the Yamuna, and the discharge from the Hathnikund barrage may also increase. The impact of this may be seen in Delhi in 3-4 days.

Revenue minister Atishi has advised people staying in relief camps not to return to their homes in the floodplains for some more time. She assures that there is no immediate danger for the people of Delhi, but it is safer to wait until the water level comes below the danger mark.