The water level of the Yamuna River in Delhi rose steadily on Thursday, nearing the official danger mark and prompting authorities to take precautionary measures. Residents in low-lying areas along the riverbanks have been urged to evacuate to safer locations as a preventive step.

District administration and disaster management teams patrolled vulnerable areas in boats, particularly in Khadar, where they appealed to locals to leave their homes along with their children and essential belongings. A recent survey revealed that approximately 2,500 people continue to live illegally in Khadar slums, a significant drop from around 20,000 last year, following strict action and eviction drives initiated by the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) under the direction of the Lieutenant Governor.

According to officials, the Yamuna's water level reached 205.03 metres at 5 p.m. on Thursday, just 30 centimetres below the danger mark of 205.33 metres at the Old Railway Bridge, a key observation point for flood monitoring. The level had already crossed the warning mark of 204.50 metres earlier in the day, rising from 204.88 metres recorded at 8 a.m.

This marks the first instance this monsoon that water discharge from the Hathnikund Barrage in Haryana exceeded 50,000 cusecs, peaking at 61,000 cusecs around 6 a.m. on Wednesday. Typically, water released from the barrage takes 48 to 50 hours to reach Delhi.

The danger mark for the river in Delhi is 205.33 metres, with evacuation efforts beginning at 206 metres. In 2023, the Yamuna had reached an unprecedented level of 208.66 metres, causing widespread flooding and disruption.

Irrigation and Flood Control Minister Parvesh Verma conducted a ground inspection at regulator drain no. 12 in Indraprastha Estate. He confirmed that around 12,000 residents in flood-prone areas have already been alerted, and respective SDMs are closely monitoring the situation. If needed, evacuation and relocation to safer shelters will be carried out swiftly, he said.