By Krishna Dua 
Delhi-NCR on High Alert: Yamuna Rises Past Danger Mark as Heavy Rain Looms
NEW DELHI – A state of high alert has been declared across the National Capital Region (NCR) as the Yamuna River breached the danger mark this morning, its water level flowing a precarious 205.75 metres at the Old Railway Bridge. This is a critical situation, triggering a widespread flood alert for low-lying areas. The looming threat is compounded by the India Meteorological Department’s (IMD) latest forecast, which predicts another spell of heavy rain, placing Noida and Ghaziabad under a ‘Yellow Watch’ and Gurugram under a more severe ‘Orange’ warning. The confluence of a swelling river and relentless rain has placed the region’s emergency services on high alert and millions of residents on edge.
The current crisis is the result of a powerful monsoon system that has been unusually active over the past week. A consistent and massive discharge of over 3.23 lakh cusecs of water from Haryana’s Hathnikund Barrage, combined with a sustained period of heavy rainfall in the river’s upper catchment areas in the hills, has sent a colossal surge towards Delhi. This volume is more than six times the normal flow, and while authorities have been monitoring the situation, the continuous influx of water has overwhelmed the river’s capacity.
Yamuna’s Rise: A Perilous Journey
The Yamuna’s water level is the most critical factor in Delhi’s flood threat. The river’s danger mark, a key threshold at 205.33 metres, was surpassed early today. This breach immediately activated the government’s flood response plan. The Old Railway Bridge, a lifeline connecting Old Delhi and East Delhi, has been closed for both rail and road traffic as a precautionary measure, rerouting thousands of daily commuters and causing significant traffic disruptions.
The floodplains, which are naturally designed to absorb the river’s swell, are the first to bear the brunt of the overflow. Several low-lying areas, including parts of Yamuna Bazar, Mayur Vihar, and the slums located under various bridges, are already inundated. Eyewitnesses report water seeping into homes and shops, forcing residents to abandon their belongings and seek refuge in safer locations. Delhi’s Chief Minister, Rekha Gupta, assured the public that the government is fully prepared, citing the desilting of the river and drains over the past six months. “We have initiated a comprehensive flood preparedness plan,” the chief minister stated in a press briefing. “Relief camps are being set up in multiple locations, and our teams are on the ground ensuring that all vulnerable citizens, especially the elderly and children, are safely evacuated.”
This is not the first time the Yamuna has threatened the capital. The river’s behavior this season has been eerily similar to the record-breaking floods of 2023, when the water level reached an all-time high. Lessons from that devastating event have been put into practice, with authorities more proactive in setting up relief centers and issuing early warnings. However, the sheer volume of water from the upstream barrages, coupled with a forecast of more rain, means the situation remains precarious. Officials from the Central Water Commission (CWC) are in constant communication with their counterparts in Haryana, monitoring the discharge rate and providing hourly updates to the Delhi administration.
The Urban Flood Nightmare: Gurugram under Orange Alert
While the Yamuna poses a direct threat to parts of Delhi, the heavy rain is creating an equally chaotic situation in the wider NCR. Gurugram, the corporate and financial hub, has been placed under an ‘Orange’ alert—a serious warning of moderate to heavy rainfall. This alert is a direct response to a previous day’s downpour that brought the city to a standstill. In just a few hours, Gurugram received over 100mm of rain, turning its main thoroughfares into rivers. Key stretches like the Hero Honda Chowk and the NH-8 saw traffic jams stretching for kilometres, leaving thousands of commuters stranded for hours. Vehicles were submerged, and a palpable sense of anger and frustration has permeated the city’s residents, many of whom took to social media to voice their outrage at the city’s inadequate drainage infrastructure.
The ‘Orange’ alert for Gurugram indicates that the authorities anticipate a repeat of the chaos, with a high possibility of widespread waterlogging and traffic paralysis. In a proactive measure, the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) has issued a clear advisory: all schools have been directed to shift to online classes, and private offices have been urged to adopt a work-from-home policy. The move aims to minimize public movement and prevent a repeat of the traffic nightmare that crippled the city. The Gurugram administration has also deployed teams with high-powered pumps to clear waterlogged areas, but with more rain on the way, their task is a race against time.
Noida and Ghaziabad: A Yellow Watch of Caution
Neighboring Noida and Ghaziabad, while not under the same level of alert as Gurugram, are also facing a ‘Yellow Watch’ for heavy rainfall. This serves as a reminder to residents to ‘be aware’ of the potential for disruptions. Both cities have already experienced intermittent showers that have led to localized waterlogging and traffic congestion, particularly in low-lying areas and underpasses. The continuous rain is saturating the ground, increasing the risk of flash floods and drainage blockages.
The authorities in Noida and Ghaziabad are taking no chances. The local administrations are urging residents to take necessary precautions, such as avoiding unnecessary travel, staying informed through official channels, and ensuring their drains are clear of debris. The Hindon River, which flows through Ghaziabad, is also being closely monitored, as its water level could rise and compound the flood threat to colonies and villages along its banks.
The Human Cost: Evacuation and Public Preparedness
As the flood threat intensifies, the human element of this crisis becomes paramount. Over 10,000 people have already been evacuated from low-lying areas in Delhi alone, moved to makeshift relief camps in schools and community centers. These camps, managed by local authorities and volunteer organizations, are providing food, water, and basic medical care. However, the living conditions are challenging, and the displaced residents are facing the twin hardships of losing their homes and living in crowded, temporary shelters.
The government’s flood preparedness plan is a multi-pronged effort. The Irrigation and Flood Control Department has stationed teams at strategic points along the Yamuna, and emergency services are on standby. They have also deployed boats, life jackets, and mobile pumps to key vulnerable locations. The Delhi Jal Board has been instructed to ensure that the city’s drainage systems are functioning to their maximum capacity to prevent water from back-flowing into residential areas. The police have been put on high alert to manage traffic diversions and ensure a smooth flow of emergency vehicles.
A Call for Long-Term Solutions
The current crisis, while an immediate concern, also serves as a stark reminder of the long-term infrastructural and environmental challenges facing the Delhi-NCR region. Experts have repeatedly pointed out that the city’s drainage system, designed decades ago for a much smaller population, is simply unable to cope with the demands of a modern metropolis. Unchecked construction and encroachment on the Yamuna’s floodplains have also reduced the river’s natural capacity to handle large volumes of water, making floods more frequent and severe.
As the rain continues to fall and the Yamuna’s water level continues to rise, the residents of Delhi-NCR are holding their breath. The next 24 to 48 hours will be critical in determining the full extent of the damage. While the immediate focus is on managing the crisis, this event is a powerful wake-up call for city planners and policymakers. It underscores the urgent need for a comprehensive and sustainable flood management strategy that not only prepares for the immediate threat but also addresses the root causes of urban flooding, ensuring that the next time the monsoon arrives, the city is ready to face its fury