Heavy rainfall and continuous discharge from Haryana’s Hathnikund barrage pushed the Yamuna River above the danger mark on Tuesday, leading to large-scale evacuations in Delhi, Noida and Ghaziabad. Authorities said nearly 10,000 people have been displaced across the region, with hundreds shifted to relief camps overnight.
Rising Water Levels
By Tuesday evening, the Yamuna at Okhla Barrage had climbed to 199.5 metres, just over a metre below the official danger mark of 200.6 metres, with a steady flow of more than one lakh cusecs released from Hathnikund since morning. Officials warned the level could rise further due to heavy rainfall in the upper catchment areas.
The barrage had released over three lakh cusecs of water on Monday afternoon, far above the usual discharge of less than 50,000 cusecs, reviving fears of prolonged flooding similar to the 2023 crisis.
Evacuations Underway
District administrations in Noida and Ghaziabad began shifting residents late Monday night from flood-prone zones. At least 600 people and 1,400 animals were evacuated from low-lying areas in Noida, with police and health teams stationed at relief camps. Families were seen moving cattle, belongings, and furniture on carts, tractors and boats to safer locations.
In Delhi, nearly 10,000 people from vulnerable areas have been moved to 28 relief camps across 11 districts, officials said. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has been put on high alert.
Flood Response Measures
Officials have set up 19 flood posts and 15 shelters in Noida’s Sadar, Jewar and Dadri areas. Relief centres at schools in Chhajarsi, Faleda Bangar, Gharbara and Chotpur have been prepared. In Ghaziabad’s Loni tehsil, four villages—Pachyera, Nauraspur, Mirpur Hindu and Badarpur—are at risk, with 12 shelters now active.
The Hindon River, a Yamuna tributary, remains below danger levels but has already caused waterlogging in several Ghaziabad colonies. Divers, boats, and medical teams have been kept ready for emergencies.
Railway Restrictions
As the Yamuna crossed 206.34 metres at 9pm Tuesday, Northern Railways imposed strict restrictions at the Old Loha Pul in Delhi. Trains are now required to halt completely before crossing the bridge and can move only at 10 kmph. The bridge is a crucial link for trains between Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Punjab.
Looking Ahead
The Central Water Commission (CWC) forecast said the Yamuna could reach 206.9 metres by Wednesday morning, with further rises expected depending on new discharges from the Okhla and Wazirabad barrages.
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