Flood fear grips Okhla as Yamuna crosses danger mark

With the Yamuna breaching the danger mark of 205.33 metres early Tuesday, parts of Delhi are on high alert for possible flooding. Officials have cautioned that the river’s level may climb to around 206.50 metres by evening as water continues to be released from nearby barrages.

At Kalindi Kunj near the Okhla Barrage, the water level has risen dangerously close to 200 metres, heightening concerns for residents along the riverbanks, according to All India Radio News. Reports have emerged of floodwaters entering homes in some parts of Delhi, while Gurugram authorities have ordered schools and offices to remain closed.

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However, as of the time of reporting, Jamia Nagar, located on the Yamuna’s banks, has not witnessed any water entering its residential colonies. Following a red alert issued on Monday after relentless rainfall, anxiety among Okhla residents remains high, and with rain continuing even on Tuesday, many are battling flood fears.

Local resident Sibghatullah, who visited the riverbank to assess the rising waters, urged residents to stay calm. “There is no need to panic as of now,” he said, adding that if the water level breaches the danger mark, local leaders will immediately step in to assess and manage the situation.

Low-lying stretches along the Yamuna continue to remain under watch as authorities monitor the situation closely.

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta inspected the situation at Loha Pul, where the Yamuna River is flowing above the danger level following incessant rainfall since yesterday, and interacted with the locals here.

After overnight rain, residents of several parts of Delhi woke up to waterlogged streets and flooded homes. Areas such as Mayur Vihar and nearby localities in the Trans-Yamuna region were among those affected, reported The Hindu.

Delhi Divisional Commissioner Neeraj Semwal said district magistrates across vulnerable zones have been alerted and instructed to prepare food supplies, electricity backup and relief camps. “We expect the water level to surge above 206 metres before it recedes. We are prepared in case the river rises further,” Semwal said, adding that monitoring of the Okhla barrage outflow is underway to regulate balance downstream.

Semwal noted that floodplain residents, many of whom are farmers, are reluctant to leave their homes and fields, hoping the water will recede. “Announcements are being made to caution them, and food arrangements have been made at relief centres. Some families have already been shifted,” he said.

Irrigation and Flood Control Minister Parvesh Verma said: “Round-the-clock patrolling has been initiated on embankments, and regulators and pumps are under constant supervision,” he said. The Minister urged citizens to remain vigilant and cooperate with authorities.

“Timely action and collective responsibility will ensure every precaution is taken in the interest of public safety,” Verma added.

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