The Hindu : New Delhi News : Yamuna flowing above danger mark

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Sunday, Aug 17, 2008
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New Delhi

Yamuna flowing above danger mark

Staff Reporter

Photo: R. V. Moorthy

In spate: The Yamuna, which is rising, crossed the danger level in Delhi on Saturday.

NEW DELHI: Heavy rain over the past few days has led to a substantial increase in the water level of the Yamuna. According to the officials of the Delhi Government’s Irrigation and Flood Control Department, the water level in the river has reached 205.43 metres, which is about 1.40 meters above the danger mark.

“The water level in the Yamuna rose after Haryana released 1,39,000 litres of rainwater a few days ago. While there is no imminent threat to life and property, the water level is expected to further rise in the next few days,” said an official.

As a precautionary measure, the authorities are releasing more than 50,000 cusecs of water from Wazirabad barrage to Okhla barrage. An alert has also been sounded and those living in proximity to the river banks have been advised to steer clear of the river.

Control rooms have been set up at various strategic places to keep a round-the-clock tab on the water flow which has been steadily increasing due to the heavy rain in the northern States.

The river crossed the danger mark of 204.83 metres in September 6, 1978, when it rose to 207.49 metres and caused heavy floods in the city. The danger levels were also crossed during 1995 and 1998 when the water level of the river rose to 206.96 metres and 206.18 metres respectively.

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