NEW DELHI: In anticipation of potential floods during the monsoon season, the Delhi government has rolled out extensive measures to protect the people. A 24-hour flood control room has been established in East Delhi’s District Magistrate office, ensuring constant vigilance and immediate action, if water levels rise excessively. “As soon as more than 1 lakh cusecs of water is released from the Hathni Kund Barrage, all relevant agencies, including the flood control department, will be activated,” stated PWD Minister Atishi. She emphasised on the government’s readiness and hope to avoid any flood-like situation this year, unlike the challenges people faced last year when Yamuna’s water level reached record heights.
The impact of floods was severe last year, as Yamuna’s water level peaked at 208.66 meters on July 17, 2023, the highest in 70 years. This year’s preparations include round-the-clock monitoring, with the control room maintaining direct communication with Haryana’s Irrigation Department regarding water releases from Hathni Kund Barrage, and continuous weather monitoring around the Yamuna flood plains. Atishi has assured that in case of significant water release, relief and rescue operations would commence immediately. “A public announcement will be made to alert residents in the Yamuna floodplains, and evacuation to safe areas will be conducted if necessary.
Relief camps will be established for those affected,” she explained. NDRF officials’ presence at the meeting underscored their critical role in these operations. Irrigation and Flood Control Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj visited ITO Barrage and said, all gates are functional. “Last year, significant water release from Hathni Kund coupled with unresponsive gates at ITO Barrage led to severe flooding. This time, all gates have been opened and those that were malfunctioning have been repaired,” he assured.
The Apex Committee, a think tank meeting of the Delhi ministers, reviewed the status of machinery for rescue operations, including motor boats and life jackets, ensuring all are in durable condition. Bharadwaj reiterated that, while the government hopes to avoid floods, they are fully prepared to handle any situation that arises, drawing on the coordinated efforts of multiple departments.