Yamuna water level remains above the danger level

The water level in the Yamuna river remained above the danger level today due to continuous release of water by Haryana, resulting in flooding in low-lying areas in the national capital.

The water level in Yamuna touched 205.28 metre at 4 pm, which is almost 45 centimetre above the danger mark, a Delhi government official said. He said nearly 700 people have been evacuated from low-lying areas in the city to various temporary relief camps set up by flood control department of the Delhi government.

Commenting on the rising water-level in Yamuna, Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit said elaborate arrangements have been made to provide relief to those affected by the flood. The official said that Hathnikund dam in neighbouring Haryana has released 5.5 lakh cusecs of water into Yamuna in the last three days, which resulted in a rise in the water level in the river.

The Flood and Control Department has set up a control room to coordinate relief and rescue operation among various agencies round-the-clock. The official said Delhi Jal Board and Fire services have also been told to extend assistance in the rescue operation. The government has also deployed rubber boats to rescue marooned people.