NEW DELHI: Yamuna is on the brink of a massive flood scare as the water level continues to rise in the Hathnikund barrage in Haryana. The flood-like situation would put the whole of the national capital in water bringing one of the worst deluge in decades. This is the first time since 1978 the water level of the Yamuna River has risen above 207 feet. The present water level in Yamuna is 207.66 feet. The government has evacuated people, including farmers, living near the Yamuna to safer places. According to government reports, almost 2500 people have been relocated to safer areas.

As the situation is complicated, a high-level meeting was held under the leadership of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. Ministers, the mayor, and senior officials also attended the meeting. The chief minister directed the people to be cautious in case of rising water levels in the river. The central government has announced that it has reduced the release of water from Himachal Pradesh to Haryana in response to the request of the Delhi government. This will help reduce the water level in the Yamuna.

The rains spared no mercy as it reached even 350 m away from the residence of Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal. Holidays have been declared for all schools and colleges in Delhi after floods worsened with the Yamuna overflowing its banks. The Delhi Disaster Management Authority declared holidays for government offices providing non-essential services, schools, and colleges till Sunday. Work-from-home services should be used in private institutions. The decision was taken at a meeting chaired by Governor VK Saxena. Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal also attended the meeting.

Arvind Kejriwal warned that the city is likely to face a shortage of fresh water. It is expected that there will be a shortage of drinking water by 25 percent. He said that the government will take steps to deliver drinking water. In most areas, water has reached up to hip level. Many bike riders were drawn into pits today in the flood, only for the timely intrusion of locals that saved their lives.

The AAP government accused the BJP-ruled Haryana to be the reason behind Delhi’s rain disaster. Meanwhile, areas including Mayurvihar, which is known for its large Malayali population are also submerged in water and experiencing dire times. The Red Fort is closed for three days as the situation continues tense in the national capital.