Yamuna Nears Danger Mark in Delhi, Evacuations on Standby

The Yamuna in Delhi rose sharply on Friday, crossing the warning mark for the third time this monsoon and touching this season’s highest level. At 8 pm, the river stood at 205.25 metres, just 5 cm below the “danger mark” of 205.3 metres, and is expected to breach it by Saturday morning.

The surge follows heavy rainfall in the upper catchment and sustained high discharges from Haryana’s Hathnikund Barrage. Central Water Commission (CWC) data showed the Yamuna measured 203.9m at 8 am, crossed the 204.5m warning level by noon, and reached 205.07m by 5 pm. The previous seasonal peak was 205.15m on August 8.

According to CWC, hourly releases from Hathnikund have consistently exceeded 40,000 cusecs since Thursday afternoon, peaking at 65,861 cusecs at 3 pm. Such flows take roughly 48 hours to reach Delhi, raising fears of further swelling through Saturday.

“We have been seeing continuous discharges in the 40,000–60,000 cusecs range since Thursday. At this rate, the Yamuna should cross the danger level,” said Bhim Singh Rawat of the South Asia Network on Dams, Rivers and People (SANDRP).

In 2023, the Yamuna had risen to a record 208.66m after unprecedented releases from Hathnikund, compared with a modest peak of 204.38m last year. Officials say evacuations from low-lying areas will begin once water touches 206m.

Delhi water minister Parvesh Verma said a 2023-like flood situation was unlikely. “All ITO barrage gates are open, flood teams are deployed round the clock, and backup systems are ready. People in vulnerable zones are being alerted, and evacuation plans are in place if needed,” he said.