“Delhi is Completely in a Safe Zone” – CM Rekha Gupta Conducts Extensive Inspection of Yamuna Ghats and Control Mechanism

New Delhi– Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta  carried out an extensive review of flood management and preparedness at the Yamuna River and adjoining areas in the national capital. The Chief Minister’s inspection began from Asita Ghat and continued to Yamuna Chhath Ghat, DM East Office, Regulator No. 12 and the Control Room. On this occasion, Delhi Government Cabinet Minister Mr. Pravesh Sahib Singh was also present. The Chief Minister said that in view of the water being released from Hathinikund Barrage and heavy rainfall in the Upper Yamuna region, the Central Water Commission has issued an advisory that the water level of Yamuna in Delhi may rise up to 206 meters.

The Chief Minister informed that presently, more than one lakh cusecs of water is being released into the Yamuna, but it is flowing ahead smoothly without obstruction and at the same pace – unlike earlier when such conditions led to waterlogging. She said that this time the government has closely monitored all aspects related to the Yamuna’s water levels. Departmental teams are constantly monitoring the flow, discharge, and water level status.

She recalled that in August-September 2023, Delhi had faced an unprecedented flood when the Yamuna’s water level rose to 208.6 meters, submerging several residential areas and severely affecting public life. At that time, desilting of drains and maintenance of barrages had not been properly done, and even the ITO Barrage gates were blocked and jammed. But this time, after six months of continuous work, all gates of the ITO Barrage have been fully opened and the desilting of drains has been completed, thereby enhancing their capacity.

The Chief Minister said that this year, Delhi Government placed its flood preparedness into action mode well before the onset of monsoon. Nodal officers have been appointed in key waterlogging-prone areas. Departments like PWD, Irrigation & Flood Control, and MCD accelerated the cleaning of drains. Pump houses have been inspected and mobile pumps deployed. She assured that even if minor problems arise, they will remain confined to floodplain areas, where water entry is natural. Residents of such areas have already been alerted by the administration and necessary arrangements have been made to shift them to safer places. She assured that no flood-like situation would arise in the city. All departments are working round the clock in vigilance, and the situation is fully under control. The Chief Minister assured the people of Delhi that there is no need to worry – their safety is the government’s topmost priority. For relief and rescue operations, 14 boats have been deployed at key locations.

Additionally, to ensure that Yamuna water does not reach main roads and traffic movement remains unaffected, the Irrigation & Flood Control Department has been instructed to take all necessary steps. She has also directed that all regulators be kept fully operational. The Chief Minister informed that a “Central Flood Control Room” has been set up at the office of DM East. This center is now functioning as a central coordination hub for the entire city, with representatives from all civic agencies stationed there 24×7. She added that, along with this Central Control Room, 15 wireless stations have been established this year to monitor Yamuna water levels and waterlogging-prone areas at all times. All equipment to be used in relief and rescue operations has been fully checked, and concerned departments have made concrete arrangements to safely relocate people from the Yamuna floodplains in case of a flood situation.